Virge's Outpost

36 Hours In Vegas

2008-09-07T00:38:00.004-05:00

The traditional 24 hour day doesn't really exist as a formal measure of measuring time in Vegas, especially for a poker player. Barring a tournament that you want to play, there are no formal constraints on your time. I would say you go to sleep when you're tired, but it's more like you sleep when you can't stay awake any longer or the game breaks.

My previous "day" started around 3:40 PM (on a Thursday by normal standards) and ended at 3:35 AM (Saturday morning by normal standards). I got out of bed with the intention of cashing a Full Tilt check and paying a bill before the normal businesses closed at 5, but alas I spent too long talking poker to Lusky so I missed that.

After walking the dog, eating, and showering I put in about 1500 hands online; I had plenty of energy to play longer, but I was feeling restless and decided to go out to play live. My friend Josh was at the Wynn putting in hours for their $2,500 giveaway promotion, but I really wanted to do the new Hard Rock room again so I went there.

Unfortunately, I promptly lost all of the cash I had on me ($580), mostly with AK, but the rest with a flush under flush. Fun times. I was broke and hungry by dawn so I sent a text to Josh to see about breakfast. He told me to come to the Wynn and we'd do the Wynn breakfast buffet.

I got there before the buffet opened, so I borrowed $800 from Josh and sat at the only $1/$3 table running. The first hand I play I both river a straight and get rivered by a higher gutshot draw, and of course value own myself. Overall though, I basically broke even for an hour while we waited. Josh was was on the receiving end of a stock pitch (lol), complete with flow charts and stuff, from a broke Wynn gambler during that time. Fun times!

The breakfast buffet was out of this world good. I mainly devoured their smoked salmon, but they had just about anything you have heard of as a breakfast food, and probably a lot of stuff you haven't.

First big hand back at the tables I flop QUADS on a 997 flop and cooler a guy who was unfortunate enough to have pocket sevens, and after that I win another $200 over multiple pots from a guy playing about 70% of his hands, and playing them badly. I broke him in one hand where I raised enough with KdQs to put a limper/fish all in, and he called off half his stack with 8s6s. The fish called as well, and the flop came down AsKsTs, and the 70 VPIP guy shoves his last chips into me. Hmm.. I'm getting 3-1 with a royal flush draw and second pair, I guess I call. He was quite pissed and wondered how I could call his shove with just a flush draw. Alrighty then, good game!

Josh has a tough life as a Wynn (mostly) grinder by the way. All the staff know him and seem to love him. He has his own box(!!!!!!!). With as many hours as he puts in he gets great comped food. He was only up $400 for the "day" when I saw him at dawn, but by the time he finished at 10pm, he was up $4kish at 2/5. Not a bad 24 hour session.

The highlight in terms of excitement of the session was Micheal Phelps showing up to play some $1/$3. He kept his head covered with his hood almost the whole time so I couldn't get a good picture without being a jerk.

By 2pm I was falling asleep in between hands, and even though the game was good I decided to pack it only down $80 live. I paid Josh back and headed home. Lusky and I watched a few hours of the 2008 WSOP and watched my friend StoneTemplPilot own WCGrider in a 3 table 200nl HU grudge match. GG STP.

Around dusk I convinced Lusky to go to RoadRunner Cowboy around the corner. I can't believe I haven't tried this place before. It's almost good enough that it'd fit in well in Austin. They have two bowling lanes, two pool tables, video poker, and... SHINER Bock on draft. How can you go wrong there?

Heidi met us at RoadRunner and we all went to Half Shell to get some food. I didn't have my camera, but this place was really good, just as good as Shuck's, but in a different way. We had a dozen raw oysters (with horshradish and tabasco of course), shrimp and blue crab nachos, clam strips, and grilled scallops. An amazing amount of food, and cheap!

After we got back home I was ready to play, but way too tired, so I hit the sack at 3:35 and realized it'd been quite a 36 hour "awake period."

2007-07-29T04:51:00.000-05:00

I've created a new blog at stevenlawrence.blogspot.com. Check it out!

Welcome to Frustration, TX: Population 2

2007-07-29T02:32:00.000-05:00

I played the 50/50 on FullTilt today simultaneously with the 14k. I was in short-stack mode for quite a while after the bubble in the 50/50, but managed to double up with JJ > TT, and then made a really aggressive move with AQ to take down another huge pot in the very next hand. It took me a second to realize, but I had gone from near last to tenth in two hands. I stole some blinds, won a few flops, and I was chip leader. (!)

Then I went card and spot dead (i.e., no cards compounded with no good looking spots to bluff). After getting backed down twice by a maniac (I think he went out on last two tables with K7, paired 7's for middle pair v an overpair) with a big enough stack to hurt me I decided to go stealthy for a while. He was on my left, and seemed content to push in any time I make my standard preflop raise, so... whattya gonna do. Anyway, I pick up QQ and make my standard raise. Shorter stack in Big Blind calls, and the flop comes T high with two spades. I bet 2/3 pot, and the shorter stack pushes, I'm almost never folding here against a random player. Anyway, he obviously had the monster Jack high flush draw and hit his spade on river. So now I'm down to 11th, but still in good shape.

Nothing exciting happens in the meantime really. I switch from stealing blinds to restealing against the Jack High flush guy and his new found monster stack. He folds every time he raised my blind and I pushed. Although, he did make some scarrrrrrry threats:

McNallyville raises to 12,500

Virge raises to 69,267, and is all in

McNallyville has 15 seconds left to act

McNallyville: one of these times virge

McNallyville folds

ColdE (Observer): yeah but not this time <-- love this guy

So, on final table bubble I'm playing pretty darn tight still because the chip leader has moved one seat over on my left and is a restealin machine (mbn to have table covered). I pick up AcKc in early position, and I knew I wasn't folding. I raise my standard amount, and the Jack High guy in the big blind pushes... let's just say I ain't folding. I snap call and he shows Ad3d. Flops fine, turns fine, no 3, no straight or flush draws for Jack High boy. And then, obviously, the river is a 3. GG me, ighn, final table bubbling is fun!

Anyway, nice 1,200% ROI for the turny, and obviously up on the day, but it's frustrating to lose those two pots when 1) you get you're money in pretty darn good, and 2) you know the damage you could have done at a final table with the stack you would have had by dodging the suckout in either one of those pots.

Oh, the other resident of Frustration, TX tonight? My poor mouse. First time in a couple of months that I slammed my mouse after a suckout. Fortunately, it survived.

Now, on to take down the $4,000 pot limit holdem and/or $7,500 no limit holdem.

Midnight Madness

2007-05-15T05:03:00.000-05:00

GG, NH FTP

2007-04-22T15:19:00.000-05:00

Oooops.

FTF Table Average

2007-04-16T04:37:00.000-05:00

Higher than all of the .25/.50 full ring tables!!! Slim is GREAT for action.

AmSlim22 Takes one down!!

2007-04-12T18:43:00.000-05:00

FTFer Takes One Down

2007-04-04T15:59:00.000-05:00

GG Tokn. And way to flop Heads Up!!!

FTF Table: Great night

2007-03-29T23:37:00.000-06:00

Look at that lineup!! Ritze Mike (boats), Rob (rawl), title, Sly, dimmy, and dekker. All at the same table.

This is how the stack got started. I'd abused the table for a few starter orbits, and the poor hokie decided to take a stand.

DonkeyTest.com

2007-03-27T17:34:00.000-06:00

I shouldn't have taken this at work, but oh well. Overall, not too embarrassing except for the Tournaments part.

Full Results:

Poker IQ Score
Your General Poker IQ Score is 116 and shows how skilled you are in general. Anyone with a score this high is considered to be a low stakes pro. This score is better than 85.69% of all persons taking this test. You should expect to win in low stakes NL hold'em games.
You scored higher than your average percentile score in 9 individual ability categories. 8 of these better scores could be called statistically significant and may indicate special abilities, or that you were distracted on those parts of the IQ Test that counted more heavily in the other ability categories.

Position
Solving many of the IQ Test's problems required the ability to analyze your position at the table, considering blind levels and stack sizes, the tendencies of your opponents and the strength of your hand.. Many poker situations require analysis of position. The ability to play in and out of position strongly is required for skilled NL Hold’em players.

Your Positional Play score of 62% is not significantly different from your average score.This score is better than 87.15% of all persons taking this test.

Blinds
Understanding what changes occur when out of position but required to put in half a bet are important. By far, the blinds will be any NL Hold’em player's least profitable seats. It is important to play out of the blinds correctly in order to minimize losses over time.

Your Blinds score of 60% is not significantly different from your average score.This score is better than 82.47% of all persons taking this test.

Tournaments
This is the ability to change your strategy, hand strengths, calling and pushing ranges as blinds and antes rise. It is most useful during tournament play, but is useful in dealing with short stacks in deeper stacked cash game play. It is important to learn tournament skills even for cash game specialists. Strong tournament skills should translate to more tournament cashes and deeper finishes.

Your Tournament Play score of 45% is significantly lower than your average score.This score is better than 47.34% of all persons taking this test.

Big Pairs
The ability to play big pairs correctly is important for any successful NL Hold’em player. Although over time big pairs will be the most profitable hands, playing them incorrectly can lead to disastrous results. Beginners get themselves into trouble by slow playing and/or overplaying big pairs, and often try to be excessively tricky with them. Although poor players sometimes play their big pairs correctly, it is rare. In general better players will win more and lose less with JJ+ as they gain skill and experience.

Your Big Pairs score of 77% is exceptionally higher than your average score.This score is better than 98.36% of all persons taking this test.

Small and Medium Pairs
The ability to play small and medium pairs is typically difficult for beginners. Typically beginners will call too much pre-flop with these hands and overplay overpairs on the flop. Folding a set is rarely correct but sometimes necessary.

Your Small and Medium Pairs score of 68% is exceptionally higher than your average score.This score is better than 93.74% of all persons taking this test.

Bluffing
Bluffing is big part of NL Hold’em. Bluffing and semi-bluffing at the right times is important. So is recognizing that an opponent is likely to be bluffing and acting accordingly. Balancing your own bluffs and adjusting opponent calling ranges is essential.

Your Bluffing score of 68% is exceptionally higher than your average score.This score is better than 93.74% of all persons taking this test.

Flop Texture
Adjusting your play based on the "texture" of the flop is important. The flop cards should be analyzed in light of your opponent's tendencies, his suspected hand range, and the strength of your own hand. Failing to include the flop texture in your post flop decision making is a typical beginner mistake and is easily disastrous. As you gain experience in NL Hold’em and play against more experienced opponents, it will become second nature and of paramount importance.

Your Flop Texture score of 72% is exceptionally higher than your average score.This score is better than 96.41% of all persons taking this test.

Pot Odds
Sometimes you are required to call when you know you're losing because the price is right. Sometimes you must fold because you're facing a bet that is too big or because an opponent does not have enough money behind to justify an implied odds call. Failing to make the correct odds calls is a major error. Sometimes it is correct to call in some surprising situations.

Your Pot Odds score of 69% is exceptionally higher than your average score.This score is better than 94.52% of all persons taking this test.

Logic
Logically analyzing the action during a hand is important. Players with strong logical ability are quicker to see where a given set of conditions is leading, better understand the technical aspects of the game, often move up quickly in stakes and have little trouble with bankroll management.

Your Logic score of 70% is exceptionally higher than your average score.This score is better than 95.22% of all persons taking this test.

Betting Patterns
An awareness of betting patterns serves a number of purposes. It is useful for analyzing the playing styles of opponents and for finding errors in your own game. Often beginning players have no awareness of common betting patterns. Experienced players are sometimes able to watch a hand, adjust for the skill, experience and tendencies of each player and determine almost exactly what each player holds.

Your Betting Patterns score of 70% is exceptionally higher than your average score.This score is better than 95.22% of all persons taking this test.

Hand Selection
It is important choose which hands to play by adjusting for position, stack sizes, and the tendencies of your opponents. Beginners often have no awareness of relative hand strength, often play weak hands out of position, or easily dominated hands against tight opponents.
Your Hand selection score of 60% is not significantly different from your average score.This score is better than 82.47% of all persons taking this test.

Aggression
Aggression is important in poker. It increases your equity in most hands by giving you an extra way to win the pot. Your opponent may fold. Playing passively yields only one way to win -- with the best hand at showdown. Beginners typically play too loose and too passive. Excessively aggressive players will lose less than passive players. A balanced tight aggressive strategy is typically best for NL Hold’em depending on game conditions and stack sizes. Loose aggressive style is more difficult to master but can often be extremely profitable.

Your Aggression score of 69% is exceptionally higher than your average score.This score is better than 94.52% of all persons taking this test.

Computational Speed
Solving problems quickly indicates a combination of experience and card sense. Experienced players can often play most hands automatically, and only require significant thought for the most complex situations. Experienced players should easily answer a good amount of the questions on this test, leaving extra time to focus on the more complex situations.

Your Computational Speed score of 8% is significantly lower than your average score.This score is better than 0.31% of all persons taking this test.

FTP: Another HU Marathon

2007-03-25T14:23:00.000-06:00

Won another satellite SNG, this time to the bigger $400K sat. Wayyy too much work for a sat. Here's the hand that did it, all aggression baby (for the record, it was based on about 50 very patient HU hands, this was only the second time I came over the top)....Edit: I didn't have the beta saving hand histories, so... basically I had 9-4 soooted and the chip lead. I called a decent bet on the flop, missed my draw on the turn, he overbet the pot, and I pushed. I had him on an paired ace, but the turn completed the broadway draw if I was on it, and there all kinds of scary cards I could have paired for second pair. He said "??" and folded. He was forced all in the next hand with K 4, I had A 9. Game over.

FTP: Marathon HU SNG

2007-03-24T20:03:00.000-06:00

I played one FTP sat and lost after a long HU with top pair king to bottom two pair (8 5). Then I played about 50 or so hands with this guy. He was chasing long shots, making bad folds, bad all-ins, but I couldn't get him.

I hated having to call with this hand, but I thought there was a good chance I was good, and the blinds were starting to take a lot of skill away if I waited for another hand. He pushed on the river after overbetting the flop and check-calling the turn.

Anyone have thoughts on the call? Steeler was watching and just said "Wow." I don't know if that's "Wow, you're an idiot!" or what.

Link to the hand.

Full Tilt Poker Game #2062675465: 600 FTP Sat to $1K Monday (15470160) Table 1 - 250/500 - No Limit Hold'em - 21:55:50 ET - 2007/03/24
Seat 1: gcomposer (7 080)
Seat 2: Virge (6 420)
Virge posts the small blind of 250
gcomposer posts the big blind of 500
The button is in seat #2

Holecards:

Dealt to Virge [ ]

Virge calls 250
gcomposer checks

Flop:
[ ]

gcomposer bets 1,500
Virge calls 1,500

Turn:
[ ] [ ]

gcomposer checks
Virge bets 1,000
gcomposer calls 1,000

River:
[ ] [ ]

gcomposer bets 4,080, and is all in
Virge has 15 seconds left to act
Virge calls 3 420 and is all in
Uncalled bet of 660 returned to gcomposer

Showdown :

gcomposer shows [ ] (two pair, Kings and Nines)

Virge shows [ ] (two pair, Kings and Nines)
Virge wins the pot (12,840) with two pair, Kings and Nines
The blinds are now 300/600

SUMMARY:

Total pot 12,840 Rake 0

I love $1/$2 limit O8

2007-03-23T03:26:00.000-06:00

ontiltsince82: did you really raise with 4 diamonds?
Cambo71: ya i only need one the board to get a flush

Vegas Rant Below

2007-02-18T12:54:00.000-06:00

This is my email summary of my NBA weekend in Vegas so far that I sent out to some friends at about 4am last night.
------------------

Alright, this city is beyond crazy for all star weekend. I swear their are more wannabe gangsters per square inch than you could find per square mile in any city in America. It took me 20 minutes just to park once I got to MGM, and thankfully I avoided getting shot... hopefully most of these guys flew in and are weaponless, because apparently there's something about a guy in a lucchese shirt, boot cut jeans, leather jacket, and kangaroo skin boots that sets em off.

Let's back up, I get here, and my roomate didn't put the cover on the Stang like he promised he would, AND he's let someone else use my room and I can't get ahold of him. He finally calls me back and it's (roommate) Kelly's hot friend who is in town tonight, so I'm no longer pissed, but anyway. Then I leave my cell phone with (pokerchick) Nancy, both my roommates, and my other poker friends numbers on it at home. It was dead anyway, but it at least had enough juice to retrieve numbers. To top it off, my other cell phone dies before I get to talk to Keith or anyone else. This means, I have my brain, my cash, and my credit cards to survive, but not a single local friend to rescue me if I get in trouble... do not let your cell phones die, ever.

Anyway, I did something stupid tonight and tried a new casino (MGM) for poker b/c I heard it was good, and I was hoping to stick around long enough and get lucky enough to play with Bill Simmons. Well, besides the fake gangstas and hoochies, all of the staff except for two were rude... probably exasperated by the people pretending to have money. It's the biggest weekend in recent memory for local vegas folks, you could hardly walk through the MGM, but... there was no game higher than $2/$5 going at MGM. NONE. I was the only person on the interest list for 5/10, and as pissed off as I was it's probably a good thing. I sit down at the table, some guy one table over collapses, turns out he's either crazy or drunk, but the MGM doesn't f*** around. They strapped his a** to a gurney despite his protests and attempts to get away and carted him out in no time. Some drunk dude at the table lost a $26k pot at Bellagio to runner, runner quads a (he was 1 in 998 to lose, seriously), but I didn't care because he repeated the story about 20 times but wasn't donking off his $200 buy in fast enough. The dealers were insulting the players, and then miscounting chips. I can handle the insults a little, but at least do your job, and don't expect tips if you hate us so much. The waitress went on a lunch break (after midnight) and the waitresses at tables next to us wouldn't even give us a water. Anyway, I decided to leave... well, it was a 3 hour wait to just get out of the free self park garage. People on the 3rd floor had already been waiting an hour, so I walked 5 (big) blocks over to the Four Seasons to catch a cab. Two cabs turned me down... like, drove off with me attached to the door handle because I was going to a residence. One dude caught a limo who charged him $75 just to cross the street. I finally get a cab, and some (either fake or real) big shot who has like 4 inches and 75 pounds on me yanks the door open and asks me where I'm catching a cab to. I told him the corner near my house, and he said "bull shit". I told him to get out of my f****** cab, and he yelled back to get my f****** finger out of his face. I had pretty much had enough at this point so I shoved him out and slammed the door shut. Either the shock at someone actually pushing back at him or the crazed look I faked in my eyes apparently made him think twice about throwing down in front of the Four. The cabbie said, "I don't know what that was about, but let's get out of here." Nicest person (besides my 6'2 darn good looking roomate who I talked to in her tight bathrobe for 30 minutes once I got home, but that's another story) that I met since I got here. He's 75, twice retired and twice unretired, moved here from South Central LA after the Rodney King riots, and only charged me $12 for the ride home and didn't even protest leaving the strip.

Let's see, high points. I didn't get killed at the tables, and was smart enough to leave. I'm in Vegas, which is always better than the office. I had chipotle on the way to the MGM, and even the fact that I got verde sauce on my shirt can't ruin the joy of that. I met the owner of two bars in Austin and we really hit it off so my streak of Vegas networking success continues. He's going to the All Star Game tomorrow courtesy of the owner of the Spurs (I think). Let's see.. oh, apparently there's something about the above clothing description of me and a pissed off look that makes women stuck in traffic on the strip want to talk to me... or maybe it's because I was the only guy in sight without gold teeth and a doo rag, I dunno.

Vegas Update

2007-02-16T23:09:00.000-06:00

Ok, so I suck at working all week, going to Vegas and keeping up with a blog at the same time. Anyway, Vegas is a LOT of fun, probably too much fun. I only put in about 14 hours at the tables on my last trip.

Anyway, I found a car to drive and a room to rent (both below, the horses out back in the second picture).

I might be up Sunday to play with all the All Start crowd in town. I'll definitely be back March 2-4, and 16-17.

Headed to Vegas

2007-02-02T19:37:00.000-06:00

If you want to find me after midnight tonight, now you know where to find me (hint: the picture). However, there's a good looking tourney at Orleans Saturday at 9pm, so I might check that out.

Plane leaves at 9:55 central, lands at 11:05 Pacific. Hopefully I'll have a seat shortly after midnight.

Trip report coming once I get back, and possibly some interim updates.

FTP: I love the smell of Quads in the morning

2007-01-21T00:03:00.000-06:00

Nothing like codeine, shiner, Apocalypse Now in HD, and Quads.

Full Tilt Poker Game #1644241384: Table Dreamy Winters - $1/$2 - No Limit Hold'em - 0:56:14 ET - 2007/01/21
Seat 1: Chris557 ($81.50)
Seat 2: 36DDs ($65.90)
Seat 3: cdawg_11 ($295.95)
Seat 4: LostOn4thSt ($269.30)
Seat 5: Cpt Sunshine ($202.80)
Seat 6: Virge ($269.15)
Seat 7: ProsandCons1 ($195)
Seat 8: cookie101 ($371.80)
Seat 9: RussGarvey ($331.35)
Cpt Sunshine posts the small blind of $1
Virge posts the big blind of $2
The button is in seat #4
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Virge [Jd Jc]
ProsandCons1 folds
cookie101 folds
RussGarvey raises to $7
Chris557 folds
36DDs calls $7
cdawg_11 folds
LostOn4thSt raises to $20
Cpt Sunshine folds
Virge calls $18
RussGarvey calls $13
36DDs calls $13
*** FLOP *** [4s 9s Js]
Virge checks
RussGarvey checks
36DDs bets $45.90, and is all in
LostOn4thSt raises to $100
Virge raises to $249.15, and is all in
RussGarvey folds
LostOn4thSt calls $149.15
Virge shows [Jd Jc]
36DDs shows [4h 4d]
LostOn4thSt shows [As Ad]
*** TURN *** [4s 9s Js] [Jh]
*** RIVER *** [4s 9s Js Jh] [Ts]
Virge shows four of a kind, Jacks
LostOn4thSt shows a flush, Ace high
Virge wins the side pot ($406.50) with four of a kind, Jacks
36DDs shows a full house, Fours full of Jacks
Virge wins the main pot ($215.70) with four of a kind, Jacks
cdawg_11: wow
36DDs is sitting out
LostOn4thSt is sitting out
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot $625.20 Main pot $218.70. Side pot $406.50. | Rake $3
Board: [4s 9s Js Jh Ts]
Seat 1: Chris557 didn't bet (folded)
Seat 2: 36DDs showed [4h 4d] and lost with a full house, Fours full of Jacks
Seat 3: cdawg_11 didn't bet (folded)
Seat 4: LostOn4thSt (button) showed [As Ad] and lost with a flush, Ace high
Seat 5: Cpt Sunshine (small blind) folded before the Flop
Seat 6: Virge (big blind) showed [Jd Jc] and won ($622.20) with four of a kind, Jacks
Seat 7: ProsandCons1 didn't bet (folded)
Seat 8: cookie101 didn't bet (folded)
Seat 9: RussGarvey folded on the Flop

FTP $1/$2 - $1300 pot in $1/$2

2007-01-18T01:29:00.000-06:00

Seat 1: TheoWit ($928.10)
Seat 2: fbr ($68.50)
Seat 3: TsirhCitna ($202.20)
Seat 4: minhchies ($588.55)
Seat 5: XAT-Factor ($119)
Seat 6: veerus ($203)
Seat 7: mariojr ($200)
Seat 8: Sweetums11 ($70)
Seat 9: Virge ($284.45)
minhchies posts the small blind of $1
XAT-Factor posts the big blind of $2
The button is in seat #3
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Virge [Ah 6s]
veerus folds
mariojr folds
Sweetums11 folds
fbr: time for me to go...
Virge folds
Virge: boo
Virge: rebuy
TheoWit raises to $8
fbr raises to $14
TsirhCitna folds
minhchies calls $13
XAT-Factor has 15 seconds left to act
XAT-Factor calls $12
fbr: not tonight...
TheoWit has 15 seconds left to act
TheoWit calls $6
*** FLOP *** [Kc 2s 4s]
minhchies checks
XAT-Factor has 15 seconds left to act
XAT-Factor bets $60
TheoWit has 15 seconds left to act
TheoWit raises to $200
fbr folds
minhchies raises to $574.55, and is all in
XAT-Factor calls $45, and is all in
Virge: uhoh
veerus: here we go
TheoWit calls $374.55
minhchies shows [4h 4d]
XAT-Factor shows [As Qs]
TheoWit shows [Ks Ac]
*** TURN *** [Kc 2s 4s] [9d]
*** RIVER *** [Kc 2s 4s 9d] [2d]
minhchies shows a full house, Fours full of Twos
TheoWit shows two pair, Kings and Twos
minhchies wins the side pot ($939.10) with a full house, Fours full of Twos
XAT-Factor shows a pair of Twos
minhchies wins the main pot ($368) with a full house, Fours full of Twos
minhchies: YEAH
XAT-Factor is sitting out
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot $1,310.10 Main pot $371. Side pot $939.10. | Rake $3

FTP $1/$2 - Figure I should post a hand

2007-01-14T19:12:00.000-06:00

Full was a very aggressive, but not stupid player. I had top set against him earlier and couldn't get any action after he had raised me by a huge amount preflop. That partly motivated this hand.

Dealt to Virge [Ac 3d]
meate8or folds
Box of Legos folds
iamdaisy folds
MikeD1081 folds
KiddCherokee folds
Virge raises to $6
mesh1432 folds
MikeD1081 stands up
full_tilting raises to $18
Virge calls $12
*** FLOP *** [8d Jd Qc]
full_tilting bets $26
Virge raises to $61
full_tilting has 15 seconds left to act
full_tilting folds
Uncalled bet of $35 returned to Virge
Virge shows [Ac 3d] (Ace Queen high)
Virge wins the pot ($86)

FTP $1/$2: Pwned by Lee

2006-12-10T04:10:00.000-06:00

Seat 1: Virge ($299.10)
Seat 6: Lee Watkinson ($95.15)
Cryp2Nite posts the small blind of $1
Virge posts the big blind of $2
The button is in seat #8
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Virge [Kh Kc]
Dagwoodz folds
fatshaft folds
Narena calls $2
evodg3nr8 folds
Lee Watkinson calls $2
nickyslick folds
Bunkbeds folds
Cryp2Nite folds
Virge raises to $9
Narena folds
Lee Watkinson calls $7
*** FLOP *** [6h 8h Th]
Virge bets $15
Lee Watkinson raises to $30
Virge calls $15
*** TURN *** [6h 8h Th] [7c]
Virge bets $60
Lee Watkinson calls $56.15, and is all in
Virge shows [Kh Kc]
Lee Watkinson shows [4h 5h]
Uncalled bet of $3.85 returned to Virge
*** RIVER *** [6h 8h Th 7c] [8s]

And the obligatory feel better chat:

Virge: nh
Lee Watkinson: yeah, the main and tomorrrow
Virge: would you fold that hand Lee?
Virge: to a short stack anyway...
Lee Watkinson: no
Dagwoodz: well, good luck in those...knock em dead
Virge: thanks for making me feel better :)

FTP HOSE: A Steel Welcome Back for Virge

2006-12-08T22:31:00.000-06:00

So I decided to play a lil tonight and Steeler wanted to teach me a little HOSE (i.e. take my money). This hand just proves how amazing my poker skillz really are. When's the last time you've coaxed a steel wheel out of a dealer anyway? :)

Full Tilt Poker Game #1376671445: Table Coralite - $1/$2 Ante $0.20 - Limit Seven Card Stud Hi/Lo - 23:22:04 ET - 2006/12/08
Seat 2: steeler247 ($55.80)
Seat 3: 6cent ($31.05)
Seat 4: Virge ($215.45)
Seat 5: LvPokerLots ($20.05)
Seat 6: Blazing_7s ($19.85)
schollaa sits down
Virge antes $0.20
LvPokerLots antes $0.20
6cent antes $0.20
steeler247 antes $0.20
Blazing_7s antes $0.20
schollaa adds $40
*** 3RD STREET ***
Dealt to Virge [5d 2d] [3c]
Dealt to LvPokerLots [5s]
Dealt to Blazing_7s [Th]
Dealt to steeler247 [7h]
Dealt to 6cent [Ac]
Virge is low with [3c]
Virge brings in for $0.25
LvPokerLots calls $0.25
Blazing_7s calls $0.25
steeler247 folds
6cent completes it to $1
Virge calls $0.75
LvPokerLots calls $0.75
Blazing_7s calls $0.75
*** 4TH STREET ***
Dealt to Virge [5d 2d 3c] [4c]
Dealt to LvPokerLots [5s] [6c]
Dealt to Blazing_7s [Th] [5c]
Dealt to 6cent [Ac] [7c]
6cent bets $1
Virge raises to $2
LvPokerLots calls $2
Blazing_7s folds
6cent calls $1
*** 5TH STREET ***
Dealt to Virge [5d 2d 3c 4c] [Ad]
Dealt to LvPokerLots [5s 6c] [Qh]
Dealt to 6cent [Ac 7c] [2c]
6cent checks
Blazing_7s stands up
Virge bets $2
LvPokerLots folds
6cent calls $2
*** 6TH STREET ***
Dealt to Virge [5d 2d 3c 4c Ad] [3d]
Dealt to 6cent [Ac 7c 2c] [Js]
Virge bets $2
6cent calls $2
*** 7TH STREET ***
Dealt to Virge [5d 2d 3c 4c Ad 3d] [4d]
Virge bets $2
6cent calls $2
*** SHOW DOWN ***
Virge shows [5d 4d 3c 4c Ad 3d 2d] (a straight flush, Five high)
*** SHOW DOWN ***
(5,4,3,2,A)
6cent mucks
Virge wins the high pot ($11) with a straight flush, Five high
Virge wins the low pot ($11) with 5,4,3,2,A
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot $23 | Rake $1
Seat 2: steeler247 folded on 3rd St.
Seat 3: 6cent mucked [As Kh Ac 7c 2c Js 9h] - HI: a pair of Aces
Seat 4: Virge showed [5d 4d 3c 4c Ad 3d 2d] and won ($22) with HI: a straight flush, Five high; LO: 5,4,3,2,A

Think your dating life is bad? Try this.

2006-09-10T15:37:00.000-05:00

Alright, this is completely unrelated to poker, but it's hilarious. Read this blog post about Steeler's dating adventures:

steeler247: a blog about nothing: Ok. I'm back

Google Toolbar Installed

2006-09-10T00:03:00.000-05:00

Google Toolbar Installed

Just testing out the new blogging feature for the the Google toolbar. Not bad.

September Bronze Freeroll

2006-09-09T17:30:00.000-05:00

Finished 126th, not very good. I flopped a OESD to the nut straight and a flush draw (one gap straight flush draw), BB checked, pf raiser bet with a lower OESD, I pushed, the BB called with two pair (7 5o) and the pf raiser called with A6 for the OESD. Two pair held up.

More sadly than all of that is that I didn't outlast "carla and linda." That's the genius who became chipleader by sucking out on IF with Q7 v. AK all in preflop. NH.

Omaha with Perry

2006-09-06T04:19:00.000-05:00

So I was ready to go to bed tonight, but then Vintage00 convinced me to try some 1/2 PL Omaha. I've played Omaha twice, both times in $1 HORSE SNGs. Very negative EV for me. Took out 1/3 of my $500+ profit from 1/2 NLHE tonight. Anyway, Perry shows up in an almost empty limit room so we join that table too, then he takes a seat at our PL table. He's quite funny, but this was such a bad idea on so many levels.

FTP 1/2: Playing Aces

2006-09-06T02:03:00.000-05:00

I've been playing aces and kings a little differently lately. There's only so many ways you can raise preflop and disguise your hand, and I have the capability of laying them down. I was a little surpised when I saw his hand, but I thought it was 70/30 that I had him beat, but I didn't really decide that untl the turn. I've played about 400 hands with this guy and haven't ever seen him out of line in a big pot.

Full Tilt Poker Game #973241161: Table Summit Grove - $1/$2 - No Limit Hold'em - 2:34:28 ET - 2006/09/06
Seat 1: swangkee ($211.45)
Seat 2: Blackat ($43.75)
Seat 3: Sixteensonfire ($113.15)
Seat 4: Virge ($441.95)
Seat 5: Thompkins ($121.15)
Seat 6: PoketQueens90 ($153.70)
Seat 7: seaoharewhy ($395.20)
Seat 8: agent007 ($202.60)
Seat 9: Fentanyl ($226.80)
Blackat posts the small blind of $1
Sixteensonfire posts the big blind of $2
The button is in seat #1
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Virge [Ah Ac]
Virge calls $2
Thompkins folds
PoketQueens90 folds
seaoharewhy folds
agent007 calls $2
Fentanyl raises to $11
swangkee folds
Blackat folds
Sixteensonfire folds
Virge calls $9
agent007 folds
*** FLOP *** [Jd Qh 6c]
Virge bets $20
Fentanyl raises to $58
Virge calls $38
*** TURN *** [Jd Qh 6c] [9s]
Virge checks
Fentanyl bets $157.80, and is all in
Virge: trips? (yeah, yeah, wrong term)
Virge has 15 seconds left to act
Virge calls $157.80
Fentanyl shows [6s 4s]
Virge shows [Ah Ac]
*** RIVER *** [Jd Qh 6c 9s] [Qd]
Fentanyl shows two pair, Queens and Sixes
Virge shows two pair, Aces and Queens
Virge wins the pot ($455.60) with two pair, Aces and Queens
Fentanyl is sitting out

Gadgets: Logitech MX Revolution

2006-09-05T21:20:00.000-05:00

I saw the MX Revolution reviewed on Engadget (the review) and, being the geek that I am, had to buy it the day it went up on Logitech's website. The innovative part is the scroll wheel. It's a heavy alloy ridged wheel that can either spin freely on its axis or move one click at a time. The software autmatically decides which depending on what you're doing, but you can also switch modes by clicking the wheel.

The other nice feature, especially for multitabling or other multitasking, is the second scroll wheel on the side. Clicking on that brings up a list of open windows that you can scroll up and down to switch to. It's a lot better than using Alt-Tab or trying to find your windows on the task bar. Unfortunately, it seems to slow down a bit if I have several tables up and PokerTracker running at the same time, but my computer is a little out of whack at the moment anyway.

EV++

By the way, Engadget also has a nice dissection of the mouse posted.

FTP $1/$2: Dropping the Hammer

2006-09-04T03:30:00.000-05:00

I didn't really mean for this to be a permanent blog post. I just posted it so a friend could see and it was too big to send over IM, but since y'all have commented I'll leave it. The sad thing is, I was actually pretty sure I was ahead in this hand the whole way after the flop.

Full Tilt Poker Game #966585981: Table Stonewater - $1/$2 - No Limit Hold'em - 4:19:53 ET - 2006/09/04
Seat 1: Virge ($536.55)
Seat 6: ssgbook ($68.95)
ssgbook posts the small blind of $1
WALSHY2000 posts the big blind of $2
The button is in seat #5
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Virge [7c 2c]
chall936: damn
jaylenray folds
phil7734 folds
Virge raises to $6
chall936 folds
Jack10Suited folds
psu2007 folds
ELLWOODTHFC folds
ssgbook calls $5
WALSHY2000 calls $4
*** FLOP *** [4d 2d Ks]
ssgbook checks
WALSHY2000 checks
Virge bets $14
ssgbook calls $14
WALSHY2000 folds
*** TURN *** [4d 2d Ks] [9s]
ssgbook checks
Virge bets $31
ssgbook calls $31
*** RIVER *** [4d 2d Ks 9s] [Kd]
ssgbook bets $2
Virge has 15 seconds left to act
Virge raises to $485.55, and is all in
ssgbook calls $15.95, and is all in

Funny, but I feel bad for the guy.

2006-08-31T21:55:00.000-05:00

So I was playing with this guy at $1/$2 tonight. A friend of mine worked for the FAA and told me about the "101 Ways to Save Money" pamphlet that Northwest Airlines gave out to the employees it laid off. I thought he was joking, but read the chat below.

Virge: do you go to museums on free days NWA?
NWA Suks: ok, ill bite, why
Virge: supposedly one of the tips from the NWA layoff packet
NWA Suks: no, but i do go thru the trash
Virge: lmao
Virge: cut the kids hair yourself?
NWA Suks: yup, and IM not afraid to ask friends for help
Virge: i thought that layoff packet thing was a joke!
NWA Suks: u work there
NWA Suks: ?
Virge: no, one of my friends saw your nickname and told me about the pacekt
NWA Suks: ah

Three hands with a Maniac: Any Thoughts?

2006-08-30T02:49:00.000-05:00

So I sit down at a $1/$2 table with a huge number of players per flop and a huge average pot (over $98 at one point). It's pretty apparent why almost immediately. A loose/aggressive/passive losing player according to my notes had a stack of around $800. The following hands ensued. I'd like to learn how to play these players. I apologize for not getting the screenshot for the first one.

As a side note, in between hands 1 and 2. I bet out about 2/3 with a weak top pair into a 3 way flop that included Azn and he folded.

First Hand

FullTiltPoker Game #949782658: Table Whitney Ranch - $1/$2 - No Limit Hold'em - 2:44:26 ET - 2006/08/30
Seat 1: triple9 ($106.40)
Seat 2: TheAznKidd ($564.10)
Seat 7: Virge ($189)
triple9 posts the small blind of $1
TheAznKidd posts the big blind of $2
The button is in seat #9
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Virge [Ad Kc]
Virge raises to $6
Balforios calls $6
triple9 calls $5
TheAznKidd raises to $30.95
Virge has 15 seconds left to act
Virge raises to $189, and is all in
Balforios folds
triple9 folds
TheAznKidd has 15 seconds left to act
TheAznKidd calls $158.05
Virge shows [Ad Kc]
TheAznKidd shows [9h 9s]
*** FLOP *** [7d 5h 3c]
*** TURN *** [7d 5h 3c] [Qc]
*** RIVER *** [7d 5h 3c Qc] [Js]
Virge shows Ace King high
TheAznKidd shows a pair of Nines
TheAznKidd wins the pot ($387) with a pair of Nines
Virge is sitting out

Second Hand

FullTiltPoker Game #949818022: Table Whitney Ranch - $1/$2 - No Limit Hold'em - 3:01:05 ET - 2006/08/30
Seat 2: TheAznKidd ($1,085.70)
Seat 7: Virge ($218.35)
Virge posts the small blind of $1
chicagcubs posts the big blind of $2
The button is in seat #6
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Virge [6c 7c]
Balforios folds
Sassie: hes playing three tables and riding a rush we all should have the guts to
triple9 folds
Balforios stands up
TheAznKidd: im a losing player
Virge: he has $200 of my money, that seems pretty good
TheAznKidd has 15 seconds left to act
TheAznKidd raises to $9.95
Virge calls $8.95
Sassie: i rode a rush for 12K in three days but the games were cake
chicagcubs folds
*** FLOP *** [Qd 7d 6h]
Sassie: 5-10 nl though
Virge bets $12
USCJusto: i rode a cooler for three days and lost $600
TheAznKidd calls $12
*** TURN *** [Qd 7d 6h] [2d]
Virge bets $25
TheAznKidd calls $25
*** RIVER *** [Qd 7d 6h 2d] [Th]
Virge checks
TheAznKidd: virge
TheAznKidd: take it
Sassie: thats not much
TheAznKidd checks
*** SHOW DOWN ***
Virge shows [6c 7c] (two pair, Sevens and Sixes)
TheAznKidd mucks
Virge wins the pot ($92.90) with two pair, Sevens and Sixes
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot $95.90 Rake $3

Third Hand

FullTiltPoker Game #949833189: Table Whitney Ranch - $1/$2 - No Limit Hold'em - 3:08:45 ET - 2006/08/30
Seat 2: TheAznKidd ($1,020.75)
Seat 7: Virge ($246.30)
redeposit posts the small blind of $1
Virge posts the big blind of $2
The button is in seat #5
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Virge [Ad As]
TheAznKidd: im mad at that snitch
TheAznKidd: that left
RandG folds
triple9 calls $2
Sassie: ? didnt see i dont think
TheAznKidd raises to $10.85
Virge raises to $30
triple9 folds
TheAznKidd calls $19.15
*** FLOP *** [4h 6h Th]
Virge bets $50
TheAznKidd calls $50
*** TURN *** [4h 6h Th] [6c]
Virge checks
TheAznKidd bets $940.75, and is all in
RandG: call
RandG: lol
Virge has 15 seconds left to act
Virge calls $166.30, and is all in
TheAznKidd shows [9h 9c]
Virge shows [Ad As]
Uncalled bet of $774.45 returned to TheAznKidd
*** RIVER *** [4h 6h Th 6c] [Kc]
TheAznKidd shows two pair, Nines and Sixes
Virge shows two pair, Aces and Sixes
Virge wins the pot ($492.60) with two pair, Aces and Sixes
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot $495.60 | Rake $3

Take a Deep Breath

2006-08-28T22:02:00.000-05:00

I honestly thought I should have pulled the trigger on the flop, but, alas, I lacked heart.

Full Tilt Poker Game #945685759: Table Lake Mead - $1/$2 - No Limit Hold'em - 22:51:54 ET - 2006/08/28
Seat 1: The Jestyr ($104.75)
Seat 2: GM Ski ($74)
Seat 3: islandcw ($74.25)
Seat 4: JC926 ($231.05)
Seat 5: HOGPUTTER ($72)
Seat 6: chicagcubs ($200)
Seat 7: dvergil ($59.65)
Seat 8: Virge ($197.15)
Seat 9: Fusilli Jerry ($207.35)
GM Ski posts the small blind of $1
islandcw posts the big blind of $2
The button is in seat #1
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Virge [4d 6d]
JC926 calls $2
HOGPUTTER folds
dvergil calls $2
Virge calls $2
Fusilli Jerry calls $2
The Jestyr folds
GM Ski calls $1
islandcw raises to $12
JC926 calls $10
dvergil folds
Virge calls $10
Fusilli Jerry calls $10
GM Ski folds
*** FLOP *** [9s 7s Qd]
islandcw checks
JC926 checks
Virge checks
Fusilli Jerry checks
*** TURN *** [9s 7s Qd] [9h]
islandcw checks
JC926 checks
Virge bets $40
Fusilli Jerry folds
islandcw folds
JC926 folds
Uncalled bet of $40 returned to Virge
Virge mucks
Virge wins the pot ($49.40)

FTP 1/2: Receiving end of All-in Against the Nuts

2006-08-27T16:27:00.000-05:00

Unfortunately, two hands later I flopped the nut straight again and he sucked out a full house with top two pair on the flop.

Full Tilt Poker Game #941169626: Table Rose Hills - $1/$2 - No Limit Hold'em - 17:08:00 ET - 2006/08/27
Seat 1: LordHelmet2 ($215.80)
Seat 2: Virge ($240.50)
Seat 3: BendintheRiver ($197)
Seat 4: TheGypsy ($0), is sitting out
Seat 5: LooseCannon62 ($177.70)
Seat 6: Randy120 ($178.20)
Seat 7: x Mr Baiter x ($150.25)
Seat 8: erosvideo ($200)
Seat 9: supermick ($305.95)
LooseCannon62 posts the big blind of $2
TheGypsy: wow..
The button is in seat #3
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Virge [Jc 9c]
Randy120 calls $2
x Mr Baiter x folds
supermick: wow
erosvideo calls $2
supermick: i thought u had q
TheGypsy adds $200
supermick calls $2
LordHelmet2 folds
TheGypsy has returned
Virge calls $2
BendintheRiver folds
LooseCannon62 checks
*** FLOP *** [7d Th 8c]
LooseCannon62 checks
Randy120 bets $10
erosvideo calls $10
supermick folds
Virge has 15 seconds left to act
Virge raises to $40
LooseCannon62 calls $40
Randy120 is sitting out
Randy120 folds
erosvideo folds
*** TURN *** [7d Th 8c] [Qc]
LooseCannon62 checks
supermick: big bets for small hand
Virge has 15 seconds left to act
Virge bets $70
LooseCannon62 has 15 seconds left to act
LooseCannon62 raises to $135.70, and is all in
supermick: some action finally
Virge has 15 seconds left to act
Virge calls $65.70
LooseCannon62 shows [9s 6s]
Virge shows [Jc 9c]
*** RIVER *** [7d Th 8c Qc] [3s]
LooseCannon62 shows a straight, Ten high
Virge shows a straight, Queen high
Virge wins the pot ($378.40) with a straight, Queen high
LooseCannon62 is sitting out
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot $381.40 Rake $3
Board: [7d Th 8c Qc 3s]
Seat 1: LordHelmet2 didn't bet (folded)
Seat 2: Virge showed [Jc 9c] and won ($378.40) with a straight, Queen high
Seat 3: BendintheRiver (button) didn't bet (folded)
Seat 4: TheGypsy (small blind) is sitting out
Seat 5: LooseCannon62 (big blind) showed [9s 6s] and lost with a straight, Ten high
Seat 6: Randy120 folded on the Flop
Seat 7: x Mr Baiter x didn't bet (folded)
Seat 8: erosvideo folded on the Flop
Seat 9: supermick folded on the Flop

FTP $1/$2: AK with flush draw...

2006-08-27T01:27:00.000-05:00

I had been reraised off about 5 hands in a row. I really thought he had an over pair lower than JJ, but I was wrong. Dirte said he liked the play, anyone else actually think this is good? I don't like being all in against the nuts. :)

Full Tilt Poker Game #939269006: Table Laurel Ridge - $1/$2 - No Limit Hold'em - 1:38:54 ET - 2006/08/27
Seat 1: Candylane77 ($156.25)
Seat 2: kaoloi ($200)
Seat 3: Jimyduck ($375.25)
Seat 4: Josh Deets ($248.85)
Seat 5: Surrender2 ($223.90)
Seat 6: SNOWMAN3132 ($30.20)
Seat 7: IneedAces ($87.30)
Seat 8: TexasWizeGuy ($211.90)
Seat 9: Virge ($471.35)
SNOWMAN3132 posts the small blind of $1
IneedAces posts the big blind of $2
The button is in seat #5
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Virge [Ks As]
TexasWizeGuy folds
Virge raises to $7
Candylane77 folds
Jimyduck folds
Josh Deets calls $7
Surrender2 folds
SNOWMAN3132 has 15 seconds left to act
SNOWMAN3132 folds
IneedAces folds
*** FLOP *** [4c 7s 2s]
Virge bets $14
Josh Deets raises to $28
Virge has 15 seconds left to act
Virge raises to $464.35, and is all in
Josh Deets calls $213.85, and is all in
Virge shows [Ks As]
Josh Deets shows [7d 7c]
Uncalled bet of $222.50 returned to Virge
*** TURN *** [4c 7s 2s] [Qc]
*** RIVER *** [4c 7s 2s Qc] [5s]
Virge shows a flush, Ace high
Josh Deets shows three of a kind, Sevens
Virge wins the pot ($497.70) with a flush, Ace high
Josh Deets is sitting out
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot $500.70 Rake $3
Board: [4c 7s 2s Qc 5s]
Seat 1: Candylane77 didn't bet (folded)
Seat 2: kaoloi is sitting out
Seat 3: Jimyduck didn't bet (folded)
Seat 4: Josh Deets showed [7d 7c] and lost with three of a kind, Sevens
Seat 5: Surrender2 (button) didn't bet (folded)
Seat 6: SNOWMAN3132 (small blind) folded before the Flop
Seat 7: IneedAces (big blind) folded before the Flop
Seat 8: TexasWizeGuy didn't bet (folded)
Seat 9: Virge showed [Ks As] and won ($497.70) with a flush, Ace high

Lunch Break Nut Fishing

2006-08-24T12:42:00.000-05:00

Jambalaya, TV, and people who overplay QQ... Gfat says he folded KK.

Full Tilt Poker Game #930296527: Table Diamond Head - $1/$2 - No Limit Hold'em - 13:20:28 ET - 2006/08/24
Seat 1: robull ($116)
Seat 2: POCKETSANDERS ($193)
Seat 3: GFatStacks ($210.90)
Seat 4: CMAN42382 ($188)
Seat 5: MusicMan53 ($178.30)
Seat 6: HardCory ($248.40)
Seat 7: Virge ($200)
Seat 8: uncleeli ($196.50)
Seat 9: AA1182A ($200)
POCKETSANDERS posts the small blind of $1
GFatStacks posts the big blind of $2
5 seconds left to act
AA1182A is sitting out
Time has expired
The button is in seat #1
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Virge [Ac Ah]
CMAN42382 folds
AA1182A has returned
AA1182A is sitting out
AA1182A has returned
MusicMan53 raises to $4
HardCory calls $4
Virge raises to $11
uncleeli folds
robull folds
POCKETSANDERS folds
GFatStacks raises to $36
MusicMan53 calls $32
HardCory folds
Virge has 15 seconds left to act
Virge raises to $200, and is all in
GFatStacks folds
MusicMan53 calls $142.30, and is all in
Virge shows [Ac Ah]
MusicMan53 shows [Qc Qs]
Uncalled bet of $21.70 returned to Virge
GFatStacks: KK
*** FLOP *** [6h Th 6s]
*** TURN *** [6h Th 6s] [Jc]
*** RIVER *** [6h Th 6s Jc] [7s]
Virge shows two pair, Aces and Sixes
MusicMan53 shows two pair, Queens and Sixes
Virge wins the pot ($394.60) with two pair, Aces and Sixes
MusicMan53 is sitting out
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot $397.60 Rake $3
Board: [6h Th 6s Jc 7s]
Seat 1: robull (button) didn't bet (folded)
Seat 2: POCKETSANDERS (small blind) folded before the Flop
Seat 3: GFatStacks (big blind) folded before the Flop
Seat 4: CMAN42382 didn't bet (folded)
Seat 5: MusicMan53 showed [Qc Qs] and lost with two pair, Queens and Sixes
Seat 6: HardCory folded before the Flop
Seat 7: Virge showed [Ac Ah] and won ($394.60) with two pair, Aces and Sixes
Seat 8: uncleeli didn't bet (folded)
Seat 9: AA1182A is sitting out

Biggest Pot in a While

2006-08-24T03:06:00.000-05:00

I had a big night tonight at .50/1 and decided to take Dimmy's advice and move back up in limits. This hand came along pretty early in my session. I've won bigger, but it was still a nice start. Thanks Dimmy... oh, and, wherever you are Dan, thanks for giving me better odds to draw and paying me off at the end. I appreciate you both.

Full Tilt Poker Game #929560330: Table Anthem Club - $1/$2 - No Limit Hold'em - 3:28:40 ET - 2006/08/24
Seat 1: godblessmnymkr ($231.80)
Seat 2: On The Green ($115.05)
Seat 3: SimpleVr6 ($72.25)
Seat 4: Three 4 One ($269.35)
Seat 5: danv1423 ($351.80)
Seat 6: plunga ($63.35)
Seat 7: joshua1981 ($200)
Seat 8: Virge ($202.60)
Seat 9: trsh335 ($36.50)
trsh335 posts the small blind of $1
godblessmnymkr posts the big blind of $2
The button is in seat #8
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Virge [4h 5h]
SimpleVr6 calls $2
Three 4 One calls $2
danv1423 calls $2
Virge calls $2
*** FLOP *** [3h Qs 6h]
godblessmnymkr checks
SimpleVr6 bets $6
Three 4 One folds
danv1423 calls $6
Virge calls $6
godblessmnymkr folds
*** TURN *** [3h Qs 6h] [Ts]
SimpleVr6 bets $29
danv1423 calls $29
Virge calls $29
*** RIVER *** [3h Qs 6h Ts] [2d]
SimpleVr6 bets $35.25, and is all in
danv1423 calls $35.25
Virge has 15 seconds left to act
Virge raises to $80 <-- good amount? I was hoping he was the one with a set and slow playing... but his calls seemed like a weak pair. sigh.
danv1423 has 15 seconds left to act
danv1423 calls $44.75
*** SHOW DOWN ***
Virge shows [4h 5h] (a straight, Six high)
danv1423 mucks
Virge wins the side pot ($89.50) with a straight, Six high
SimpleVr6 shows [3s 3c] (three of a kind, Threes)
Virge wins the main pot ($218.75) with a straight, Six high
SimpleVr6 is sitting out
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot $311.25 Main pot $221.75. Side pot $89.50. Rake $3
Board: [3h Qs 6h Ts 2d]
Seat 1: godblessmnymkr (big blind) folded on the Flop
Seat 3: SimpleVr6 showed [3s 3c] and lost with three of a kind, Threes <-- seriously, this is what you get when you play short, you can't push anyone out, you go broke and have to leave b/c you're playing above your roll.
Seat 4: Three 4 One folded on the Flop
Seat 5: danv1423 mucked [Jh Qd] - a pair of Queens
Seat 8: Virge (button) showed [4h 5h] and won ($308.25) with a straight, Six high

Limit Poker, First Time

2006-08-15T00:51:00.000-05:00

So I decided to play $1/$2 limit today because I really, really wanted to play with Sly and he wasn't feelin no limit tonight. I had fun, to say the least. Check out the chat:

doonie1212: are yall playing craps
BartKoozler: wow
BartKoozler: have fun going broke, lol
Virge: :)
Virge: i am
BartKoozler: that was amazing
Virge: i like this game
BartKoozler: you should!
Virge: :)
Virge: first time playing limit
BartKoozler: you mean, poker right?
Virge: boo yah
BartKoozler: thatta boy
BartKoozler: ihave out
Virge: ihave out?
BartKoozler: outs
Virge: ah
Virge: those are good
BartKoozler: that's what I heard
Virge: damn, folded the boat
wildknats: you see, virge? that's why you should never fold
Virge: i know, i know
Virge: implied odds
wildknats: haha
BartKoozler: implied tilt odds too
Virge: the best kind
BartKoozler: i don't go on tilt, I'm autistic
Virge: i just stole from middle position
Virge: in limit
BartKoozler: that was sweet
xScorchox: you are the 1/2 limit gus hansen
xScorchox: when virge does pushups, he doesnt push himself up, he pushes the earth down
wildknats: hah
BartKoozler: haha
wildknats: n
Virge: ty
BartKoozler: bad fold Virge
Virge: is limit always this much fun bart?
BartKoozler: oh yeah
Virge: k
BartKoozler: you should come play shorthanded with me! Even better
Tigerscott: play 5/10
Virge: i'd be rich if i played there
Tigerscott: you would be
BartKoozler: yeah, if this were a 5/10 table you would have around 800 bucks
Virge: wow

Bart is cool.

Madness on FTP!!!

2006-08-14T00:32:00.000-05:00

Full Tilt Poker Game #895112917: $8,000 Guarantee (5823411), Table 14 - 20/40 - No Limit Hold'em - 1:12:22 ET - 2006/08/14
Seat 1: Chechi (2,200)
Seat 2: KenAADog (1,550)
Seat 3: lingling2 (4,260)
Seat 4: cigar345 (1,425)
Seat 5: dc007 (2,655)
Seat 6: Virge (1,425)
Seat 7: toldu2layitdown (2,850)
Seat 8: dsturg420 (1,425)
Seat 9: filliest (2,625)
KenAADog posts the small blind of 20
lingling2 posts the big blind of 40
The button is in seat #1
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Virge [Jd 9d]
cigar345 raises to 160
dc007 calls 160
Virge folds
toldu2layitdown calls 160
dsturg420 folds
filliest calls 160
Chechi folds
KenAADog folds
lingling2 folds
*** FLOP *** [Kd Kh Kc]
cigar345 checks
dc007 checks
toldu2layitdown checks
filliest bets 400
cigar345 calls 400
dc007 calls 400
toldu2layitdown raises to 800
filliest calls 400
cigar345 calls 400
dc007 raises to 2,495, and is all in
toldu2layitdown folds
filliest folds
cigar345 calls 465, and is all in
dc007 shows [Ts Tc]
cigar345 shows [As Ks]
Uncalled bet of 1,230 returned to dc007
*** TURN *** [Kd Kh Kc] [4d]
*** RIVER *** [Kd Kh Kc 4d] [2c]
dc007 shows a full house, Kings full of Tens
cigar345 shows four of a kind, Kings
cigar345 wins the pot (4,830) with four of a kind, Kings
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 4,830 Rake 0
Board: [Kd Kh Kc 4d 2c]
Seat 1: Chechi (button) didn't bet (folded)
Seat 2: KenAADog (small blind) folded before the Flop
Seat 3: lingling2 (big blind) folded before the Flop
Seat 4: cigar345 showed [As Ks] and won (4,830) with four of a kind, Kings
Seat 5: dc007 showed [Ts Tc] and lost with a full house, Kings full of Tens
Seat 6: Virge didn't bet (folded)
Seat 7: toldu2layitdown folded on the Flop
Seat 8: dsturg420 didn't bet (folded)
Seat 9: filliest folded on the Flop

PartyPoker $22 SNGs: I Love It

2006-08-13T19:21:00.000-05:00

I'm falling in love with the SNGs on other sites. Take Party Poker for instance: If you can get over the crappy interface and annoying beeps you'll start to love the 1) 10 person games and 2) the large ocean full-0-donks. I've even sat through some of the $530 SNGs, and they look just as soft as the $10+$1's on FTP, no joke. I think all of the players who seriously follow poker want to play with the pros on FTP, while the people who just casually watch on TV gravitate to Stars and Party.

Stats so far on Party (yes, they won't stay this way, but I will guarantee you they'll be the FTP stats any day of the week):

ROI: 263%
PPH: $60.52 (for a $22 buy in, noice)

July Bronze $10K Freeroll: I'm Registered *Updated

2006-08-12T12:40:00.000-05:00

I'm registered in the Bronze $10K Freeroll that starts at 3:30 central along with 1633 other people. Even if I play perfectly this is going to take a wee bit of luck. I'm not too happy with the detour my preparation for tournaments took this week. After the bad (but not horrible) run at the $20 SNGs I blew the bankroll trying to learn Heads-Up SNGs. Not only was it stupid to put the FTP money at risk playing too high, but it wasn't part of the plan.

Update: Finished 7th of 1,622

So, I finished 7th of 1622 people, but only about 600-700 showed up. I wanted first, mainly because it's a big FTP event, and I'd get to play the SNG with the other Freeroll winners for a chance to play pros in a HU freeroll. I only think one hand might have been a mistake. The last hand before the final table the severe short stack went all in (not much) another call, and I pushed with AQ... I'm posting the hand on FTF, but I lost it, which led to me being the severe short stack at the final table. I tripled up with that TJh, and then busted with A4o v. 99.

Heads Up SNGs: Why I love playing

2006-08-11T20:32:00.000-05:00

I play for moments like these... one hand like this can make your 8 straight losses with AK (v. A4, AJ, A7, QQ, 22, 77, and some KQ, QJ type stuff) seem like nothing.

FullTiltPoker Game #887199957: $20 + $1 Heads Up Sit & Go (5939770), Table 1 - 20/40 - No Limit Hold'em - 21:23:59 ET - 2006/08/11
Seat 1: junkman1971 (740)
Seat 2: Virge (2,260)
Virge posts the small blind of 20
junkman1971 posts the big blind of 40
The button is in seat #2
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Virge [Qc Js]
Virge calls 20
junkman1971 checks
*** FLOP *** [9c 7c 7h]
junkman1971 bets 40
Virge calls 40
*** TURN *** [9c 7c 7h] [Jc]
junkman1971 bets 40
Virge raises to 160
junkman1971 has 15 seconds left to act
junkman1971 calls 120
*** RIVER *** [9c 7c 7h Jc] [Qs]
junkman1971 checks
Virge bets 500
junkman1971: 7
Virge: gg
junkman1971 has 15 seconds left to act
junkman1971: show me
junkman1971 calls 500, and is all in
*** SHOW DOWN ***
Virge shows [Qc Js] (two pair, Queens and Jacks)
junkman1971 mucks
Virge wins the pot (1,480) with two pair, Queens and Jacks
junkman1971 stands up

FTP $20+$2 SNGs: The End... for now

2006-08-08T20:39:00.000-05:00

So I finished up my run of $20 SNGs in horrible fashion... I'm back down to a BR sufficient for the $10 SNGs, but don't want to go back down. What went wrong? I started out with a horrible string of bad beats (dominated, either on flop or after, yet still losing), and the times I did finish ITM it was 3rd, normally just due to the cards. Then I had 4-6 games where I just made horrible decisions, and you can't outrun the variance if you let it affect your decisions.

What am I going to do now? I'm going to follow Dimmy's suggestion and try a run of Heads Up SNGs, and then I'm going to get back to the $20 SNGs.

FTP $20+$2 SNGs: I can still read!!!!

2006-08-08T19:12:00.000-05:00

I just finished 2nd in a $20 SNG and I couldn't be happier, why? I can still read hands! I've been running pretty bad this week in the $20 SNGs, and I'm pretty sure I'm going to have to do another 25 before I can move up to the $50 SNGs. That's not really that big of a deal, but I had started to doubt my self, and it's been compounding many problems. I both saved myself some flop bets (in unopened pots) and made some good calls.

I'm 60/40 ahead here when I go with 87d against his hand, and I'm behind against Axd(X>8) or any 5. I was pretty sure he didn't have a hand like AKs, AQs, AJs because he just called, and it's pretty wierd to just call with that to what clearly looked like a button steal. Anyway, I ultimately decided I was pretty sure he had A6, small posssibility of an overpair like 77, 88, or 99 or A5.

FullTiltPoker Game #876989504: $20 + $2 Sit & Go (5863202), Table 1 - 30/60 - No Limit Hold'em - 19:52:03 ET - 2006/08/08
Seat 6: gfunkera2004 (965)
Seat 7: Redhead_456461 (1,205)
Seat 8: Virge (1,810)
Redhead_456461 posts the small blind of 30
Virge posts the big blind of 60
The button is in seat #6
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Virge [7d 8d]
gfunkera2004 raises to 160
Redhead_456461 calls 130
Virge calls 100
*** FLOP *** [5h 5d 6d]
Redhead_456461 bets 1,045, and is all in
Virge has 15 seconds left to act
Virge raises to 1,650, and is all in
gfunkera2004 folds
Virge shows [7d 8d]
Redhead_456461 shows [Ad 6c]
Uncalled bet of 605 returned to Virge
*** TURN *** [5h 5d 6d] [9d]
*** RIVER *** [5h 5d 6d 9d] [4s]
Virge shows a straight flush, Nine high
Redhead_456461 shows two pair, Sixes and Fives
Virge wins the pot (2,570) with a straight flush, Nine high
Redhead_456461 stands up

FTP $20+$2 SNGs: Questioning my Play

2006-08-08T13:14:00.000-05:00

I didn't like my play on the river on this hand, so I decided to ask Huck about it. He thinks I was too passive on the river, and just generally uncreative in general (the uncreative is my spin on his lecture), anyone have any thoughts:

Full Tilt Poker Game #875931388: $20 + $2 Sit & Go (5855852), Table 1 - 15/30 - No Limit Hold'em - 13:28:28 ET - 2006/08/08
Seat 1: XmacmanX (1,545)
Seat 4: green96 (1,320)
Seat 6: Virge (1,470)
Seat 7: rricsal (1,500)
Virge posts the small blind of 15
rricsal posts the big blind of 30
The button is in seat #5
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Virge [As 3s]
mtgmaker7 folds
kirari folds
XmacmanX calls 30
FoldsAllTheTime folds
green96 calls 30
scheme36 folds
Virge calls 15
rricsal checks
*** FLOP *** [Ah 2s 8d]
Virge bets 100
rricsal folds
XmacmanX calls 100
green96 calls 100
*** TURN *** [Ah 2s 8d] [7s]
Virge bets 340
XmacmanX folds
green96 calls 340
*** RIVER *** [Ah 2s 8d 7s] [Td]
Virge checks
green96 bets 480
Virge has 15 seconds left to act
Virge calls 480
*** SHOW DOWN ***
????

Hucks Thoughts:
ColdE: k first of all you played this way too passive
ColdE: on the flop you get two calls, you should assume you're in trouble
ColdE: not big trouble, but pry not winning if you get to showdown
ColdE: then turn is tricky
ColdE: I almost want to check it
ColdE: then possibly lay it down
ColdE: honestly I think you overplayed there
ColdE: the way you've played it up until then, you have to check fold on the river
ColdE: he's not betting enough to not have something that beats you
ColdE: I would've done this
ColdE: well actually I would not have gone for this pot
ColdE: but if I did, this is how I would have done it
ColdE: call preflop
ColdE: bet 60-80% pot on the flop
ColdE: most likely check raise big on the turn
ColdE: basically rep a rag tag two pair or a set
fulltiltvirge: so betting it out was too passive?
ColdE: on the river callng was too passive
fulltiltvirge: ah
ColdE: that's what I was referring too my bad
ColdE: there's no way you should ever ever call in that spot imo

Sunday, Sunday, Sunday!!!

2006-08-06T14:22:00.000-05:00

I just couldn't get over this hand. OMG

I lost the screenshot because I had to copy my blog link for Zooks, and that wiped out my screenshot from the clipboard.

Full Tilt Poker Game #869444877: $20 + $2 Sit & Go (5808467), Table 1 - 20/40 - No Limit Hold'em - 14:59:13 ET - 2006/08/06
Seat 7: Frnk42 (1,440)
Seat 8: Virge (1,500)
Seat 9: Sassie (760)
Frnk42 posts the small blind of 20
Virge posts the big blind of 40
The button is in seat #6
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Virge [Qc Jh]
Sassie calls 40
Frnk42 calls 20
Virge checks
*** FLOP *** [Qs 7s Qh]
Frnk42 checks
Virge checks <-- I normally don't slow play in a SNG, but oh well
Sassie checks
*** TURN *** [Qs 7s Qh] [5h]
Frnk42 bets 120 <--- gracious senor
Virge raises to 360 <--- two flush draws out now, might as well end it
Sassie folds
Frnk42 calls 240 <-- he likes his flush draw
*** RIVER *** [Qs 7s Qh 5h] [Ad]
Frnk42 bets 400 <-- ok, that didn't make anybody's hand unless you're slow playing AA
Virge raises to 1,100, and is all in
Frnk42 calls 640, and is all in <--- hmmm, maybe I've been had
Uncalled bet of 60 returned to Virge
*** SHOW DOWN ***
Virge shows [Qc Jh] (three of a kind, Queens)
Frnk42 mucks <--- I just HAD to know what he had
Virge wins the pot (2,920) with three of a kind, Queens
Frnk42 stands up
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 2,920 Rake 0
Board: [Qs 7s Qh 5h Ad]
Seat 7: Frnk42 (small blind) mucked [7h 2h] - two pair, Queens and Sevens <--- my goodness, I about died laughing
Seat 8: Virge (big blind) showed [Qc Jh] and won (2,920) with three of a kind, Queens
Seat 9: Sassie folded on the Turn

Virge Behaving Badly

2006-08-05T21:35:00.000-05:00

Well, I should have known I was in trouble after my SNG run. I started the $100+9 off playing horribly. I was playing a lot looser than I would play in the first 3 or 4 levels of a SNG, and pushing hands on the flop when there's no way I was ahead. I went out of the $109er with AA, I limped in EP, 4 people to a flop, 9s 4c 5c flop, BB bet 2/3 pot, I reraised pot, Seat 4 re-raised pot, cutoff called, BB called. I would have to be playing against absolute fools to not be behind at this point, but I went freaking pushed. It would have worked if Seat 4 would've kindly folded his bottom two pair, the other two were on flush draws.

Anyway, the screenshot is from a $20+$2 SNG. No HH history, I played the hand badly on every street.

FTP $10+$1 SNGs: The End

2006-08-05T16:46:00.000-05:00

So I've played 25, and my SNG BR is about 20x the buy-in for the next level. Same plan, different level. It took me two weeks to play 25 SNGs, I'd like to cut that back to one week for the next level. A home-run would be playing $50 SNGs profitably in two weeks.

But for right now, I have the $100+$9 DeepStack on Poker Stars to play. I'm using the money from the $50+$5 SNG. Should be fun.

FTP $10+$1 SNG: Stats with 4 games to go

2006-08-05T13:08:00.000-05:00

My original goal was 25 games; I'm through 21 and oh-so-close to having the bankroll to move up to $20+$2. I've had a nice little streak after a run of bad beats (i.e. the AK v. AQ, etc. hands) so I thought I'd post this in case variance rears it's ugly head again.

Last five games:

Cat! Fix your blog!!

2006-07-30T04:24:00.000-05:00

Anyone else think this is unacceptable??

Poker Tools: SNG Spreadsheet

2006-07-30T00:29:00.000-05:00

I've put up some screenshots from the spreadsheet I use to track my SNG results, but I thought a link to it would be in order.

Everyone knows you should track your results, but not many people do it. This thing has a lot of "neat" things to play with so maybe it'll help. Check out the other sheets besides the first one...

SNG Spreadsheet.

FTP $10+$1 SNGs: Back to FTP

2006-07-27T22:48:00.000-05:00

Played my first SNG since the Poker Stars $50+$5 on Sunday night. My computer crashed on the second or third hand, but things still went well. I doubled up pretty early with QQ, Q came on the flop and the guy re-raised me all in with second pair, ace kicker. Heads up lasted about 40 hands, the guy wasn't too bad, I took the lead when he made an all-in bluff after I turned the nut wheel.

Now I'm up $3 in 12 FTP SNGS, not good.

Poker Stars $50+$5 SNG

2006-07-24T03:47:00.000-05:00

So after crashing a few times playing on FTP I decided to call it a night for actually playing and check out the SNGs on Party and Stars. I like the structure on Party a lot better since it's 10 handed. Adding one more player makes for more than a 10% jump in the prize pool, which over times basically gives you back the rake (the rake is 10% of the entry).

There was no one sitting at the $50+$5 on Stars and I apparently had $69 left over from my tourney days in Dec. 2005 so I decided to sit to see if anyone else would--no intention of actually playing above my roll. I waited forever and there was NO ONE. I got up to do somethings and I heard those vaguely familiar PS noises coming from my computer. I apparently had just got myself into a tourney. Might as well win it right?

I have to say that the play at the $50 SNGs on Stars was noticeably WORSE than the $10 play on FTP. I played a great game up until heads up I think, although I was probably too passive with the big stack playing 4 handed.

My favorite hand is below. There was actually some complex thought to this one, but it's too late to write it all out now. I played a hand with KK almost exactly this way at the Venetian $1/$3 table to take down a $450 pot...except that I got CALLED when I went all in on the turn. Dude called me down with an inside straight draw... I had two of his outs. It takes some cahones to pull this move, if you get caught you look like a donk that can't lay down a big pocket pair:

$50+$5 Hold'em No Limit - Level V (75/150) - 2006/07/24 - 03:58:51 <--- A tad late Seat 4: AustinHokie (4575 in chips) Seat 5: badabingdj (5725 in chips) Conniemac: posts small blind 75 AustinHokie: posts big blind 150 *** HOLE CARDS ***Dealt to AustinHokie [Kh Kc] <-- voila!
badabingdj: calls 150
Actually....: folds Conniemac: folds
AustinHokie: raises 350 to 500
badabingdj: calls 350
*** FLOP *** [As 9d 7d] <--- NOT what you want to see.
AustinHokie: bets 800 <--- let's see if they're still good
badabingdj: calls 800 <--- No bueno
*** TURN *** [As 9d 7d] [9h]
AustinHokie: checks
badabingdj: bets 1050 <-- sigh... now I go into the "tank"
AustinHokie: raises 2225 to 3275 and is all-in <--- I'm either a genius or a donk
badabingdj: folds <--- he thinks for friggin ever
AustinHokie collected 4775 from pot <--- Austin Hokie is a genius
AustinHokie: doesn't show hand <--- heck no
*** SUMMARY ***Total pot 4775 Rake 0 Board [As 9d 7d 9h]

A Major Leak in My Online Game

2006-07-24T01:38:00.000-05:00

I've played 10 SNGs and had 4 blue screens. Not fun, and it's hard to win when you're out of a SNG for 15 minutes on a semi-routine basis. Hopefully the good folks at Alienware can figure out the problem. Otherwise I'm kinda in a fix.

FTP $10+$1 SNGs: Unbelievably Frustrating

2006-07-23T21:37:00.000-05:00

It's a tad frustrating to make multiple great reads in the same weekend and get sucked out on despite it all. This guy had just gone all in with TPTK (AT) in the hand before. As soon as he pushed I was 70% sure he had AQ based on my holding and his previous hand--otherwise I wouldn't have put all my money in with TPTK. Anyway, he runner-runners a flush on me.

Full Tilt Poker Game #826202238: $10 + $1 Sit & Go (5492352), Table 1 - 15/30 - No Limit Hold'em - 22:26:24 ET - 2006/07/23
Seat 1: Virge (1,665)
Seat 3: jjraider (3,240)
Seat 7: HogNLR (1,290)
losytrio posts the small blind of 15
HogNLR posts the big blind of 30
The button is in seat #5
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Virge [Kc Ac]
Virge raises to 90
jjraider calls 90
HogNLR calls 60
*** FLOP *** [6d 9s As]
HogNLR bets 30
Virge raises to 300
jjraider raises to 3,150, and is all in <--- sigh, but I know I have the best hand
HogNLR folds
Virge calls 1,275, and is all in
jjraider shows [Ah Qs] <--- Bingo
Virge shows [Kc Ac]
Uncalled bet of 1,575 returned to jjraider
*** TURN *** [6d 9s As] [Ts] <--- oh great
*** RIVER *** [6d 9s As Ts] [5s] <-- If I were Dimmy I would be throwing the laptop out the window
jjraider shows a flush, Ace high
Virge shows a pair of Aces
jjraider wins the pot (3,465) with a flush, Ace high
Virge stands up
The blinds are now 20/40
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 3,465 Rake 0
Board: [6d 9s As Ts 5s]
Seat 1: Virge showed [Kc Ac] and lost with a pair of Aces
Seat 3: jjraider showed [Ah Qs] and won (3,465) with a flush, Ace high

FTP $10+$1 SNGs: So Far, So Blah

2006-07-23T20:18:00.000-05:00

Nothing to brag about so far. In 3 of these (#'s 1, 3, 6) I've made some bad decisions. The first one I had the computer failure issue, and I wasn't mentally in the game when I came back, but those are the risks you take when playing online. My computer crapped out in #7 and I still came in 2nd. I think I only made one or two mistakes, and none of them were outcome determinative. If I didn't run into AK in the BB all-in with AQ in the SB 4-handed I think I would have had a shot at winning. As it ended up I had 10% of the winner's stack when we were headsup. Not fun.

In number 4 I got all of my money in with QQ against a loose player with AQo, and of course he caught his ace. Nothing you can do about that.

In number 7, a friend called for dinner when it was 4-handed. I was kinda short and got cute with KJ against A7s. I had enough to sit around for a while, and I was better than the other players so there's no excuse for that.

All-in-all I'm convinced that I'm better than 80% of the players in these things. The only problem I see, besides the mental lapses, is that I have ALWAYS been the shortest stack (though not critical) 4-handed. I think I need to become more aggressive stealing blinds a round or two earlier. Early on I always show down premium hands, and my steals never get called except by monsters until very late, so I can probably start just a little earlier.

FTP $10+$1 SNGs: Rough Start

2006-07-23T00:16:00.000-05:00

Two down. Got off to a rocky start. Computer crashed and wouldn't restart on the first hand of the first game. Took me 15 minutes to get back in. Ah, the perils of playing online. Anyway, I didn't play the greatest once I got back in. I still had chips so I shouldn't have loosened up due to desperation. I sucked out to stay alive, and then lost AKs v. A8s (i had ak of course) all in preflop, and was crippled when my top pair was called all in by a short stack who had 2nd pair. He paired his kicker on the river.

Anyway, 2nd game was money. One interesting hand 4 handed. I have 95o in the BB, everyone limps to me. I check my option. Flop comes 9h 5h 10c. SB (half my chips) goes all in. I put him on either a straight draw or a T. I go all in to give poor odds for a flush draw, but then the other short stack calls (1/3 my chips) with TT, and the overwhelming chip leader calls with a flush draw. He doesn't hit his flush, so I end up 1K ahead, and the short stack triples up and we're three handed.

On another note, I actually won heads up,it's been a while.

How things stand:

Profit Per Hour: $11.40. ROI: 104.5%.

FTP $10+$1 SNGs: The Beginning

2006-07-22T20:48:00.000-05:00

I'm beginning my run at FTP $10+$1 SNGs today. I'm starting with enough for 25 SNGs. After I've played those through hopefully I'll have enough to move up in levels (over $500, and playing well), but even if I'm ITM 10 times in a row I'm not going to move up until I've played all 25.

If I bust out before the money (whether I played it right or not) I'm taking at least an hour break. I've done well at SNGs in the past, but I've had runs where I'll bust out of one or two and then go on a streak of trying to win one before quitting--normally playing very badly. I need to take a break, evaluate my play, and then try again when my mind's back in the game.

July Ironman: Bronze Qualified

2006-07-22T01:08:00.000-05:00

Well, I did it, finally. The sad thing is I had 50 points for 19 days straight and then crapped out on day 20 (home from work late, then had to take a trip to Wal-Greens). Fortunately, I made it on day 21, although I had to "cheat" a bit. (xferred a bit so I could play more tables and qualify faster)

My next goal is becoming profitable at the $10+$1 SNGs. It's not that I am unprofitable at them now, but I haven't proven to myself that I can play them consistently well. The reason I went for the the Bronze Freeroll wasn't because I NEEDED a freeroll, there are a lot less grueling ways to play in a $15K tourney. I wanted to prove to myself that I could play cash games every day and do it fairly well. I have to say that was only partly met. I had a 3 day period of absolutely horrendous tilt. Without that I would have been satisfactorily profitable. But considering the amount of time I had to play every day to qualify, and my state of mind during those times (normally dead tired from being at the office 11-14 hours), I'm pretty darn happy.

However, I think my best chance at being successful in poker is playing tournaments. I just get more amped up for a tournament for some reason, and I play at my best when I'm completely engrossed in the thrill of the chase. There are other reasons I like tournaments too, but I'll save those for another post.

By the way, the Bronze Freeroll is Saturday, August 12 at 3:30 Central. Wish me luck.

July Ironman: Almost There

2006-07-18T21:05:00.000-05:00

Two days left... Don't laught, it's not as easy as it sounds.

Online Gambling: Katy Bar the Door!

2006-07-15T14:26:00.000-05:00

From the good, good people at the Richmond Times-Dispatch:

Online Gambling: Oh My Goodness, We Must Protect the Children!
A. BARTON HINKLE
TIMES-DISPATCH COLUMNIST
Jul 13, 2006

There are several reasons the House passed Virginia Congressman Bob Goodlatte's bill to crack down on Internet gambling. Unfortunately, there are no good ones.

Congressmen might support the Good- latte-Leach Internet Gam- bling Prohibition Act (co- sponsored by Iowa's Jim Leach, as well as by Virginia's Rick Boucher) out of a moralistic belief that gambling is wrong -- except that the bill makes exemptions for state-run numbers rackets (lotteries) and for gambling on horse races. Efforts to strike those exemptions failed. Nor does the bill forbid gambling at Indian casinos or in Las Vegas or Atlantic City.

So why single out Internet poker games and the like?

Because "illegal offshore gambling" is a "growing problem," Goodlatte says. He notes that Americans will spend $5.9 billion on it this year -- which, he does not note, is 1 percent of what they will spend next year in interest payments on the national debt, and two and a half times what they spent at Sally Beauty Supply for the 12 months ended March 31.

Stop the madness!

Yet as Reason magazine's Jacob Sullum points out, Goodlatte concedes that "under current federal law, it is unclear whether using the Internet to operate a gambling business is illegal." The 1961 Federal Wire Wager Act's prohibition against using phone lines to place bets might not sufficiently cover the Internet, which is composed of more than phone lines -- so the Goodlatte measure extends the Act's reach to make sure that it does. This is rather like saying it is illegal to place a bet by homing pigeon, because even though the Wire Act doesn't mention pigeons, it should, and therefore Congress will add a line about pigeons just to make sure.

SO WHAT makes online gambling a "problem"?

Goodlatte says it is "unique" because it can be done 24 hours a day, and by children, and the use of a credit card "can undercut a player's perception of the value of cash." The first and third points are not unique to the Internet (guess why casinos lack windows and use chips). The second point probably isn't -- but even if it is, tightening age restrictions should not require shutting down a form of entertainment enjoyed by 23 million Americans. That's on the order of teaching a dog to lie down by shooting it.

As this newspaper pointed out in a 1997 editorial on the Communications Decency Act, "In the name of protecting children from one among many sources of naughtiness, the CDA would trample the free-speech rights of millions of adults." The analogous point applies to gambling: Congress cannot kid-proof the planet. It can seek to discourage underage drinking, too -- but not by banning alcohol.

Do some Internet gambling sites serve as vehicles for "money laundering and other criminal enterprises," as Goodlatte contends? Sure. So do some nightclubs. ("In the indictments, the younger Mr. Gotti and his associates were accused of demanding frequent payments from [Scores, a topless club in New York], extorting one of its former managers, and using the club to launder money" -- The New York Times). Nobody suggests all nightclubs ought to be shut down.

AS IF IN recognition that the case for the bill is weaker than a sick kitten, Goodlatte falls back on the claim that Internet gambling is -- of course -- "a national security concern." He says terrorists could use online gambling as a source of financing. That poker game you played the other night, Gentle Reader, could literally destroy the American way of life. (If the Senate doesn't pass the Goodlatte-Leach bill, then the Terrorists Have Already Won.) And if that is not a good enough reason, then -- of course -- Do It for The Children: "Young people," Goodlatte wrote in a dear-colleague letter, "are particularly at risk." If patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel, then children are the last recourse of a scold.

Gambling, says Goodlatte, leads to "a whole host of ills in society." But then why not also ban casinos and horse tracks and state lotteries? Why not ban booze, which leads to a whole host of ills as well, and television, which does the same, and smoking, which kills millions, and here's a good one -- bearing children out of wedlock, which leads to a whole host of ills, particularly for young people.

Gambling is a vice, of course, and society must do all it can to stifle vice -- as long as this does not cut into government profits.

Just for Fun: Bankroll Graph - July 1 - 13

2006-07-13T20:48:00.000-05:00

Conquering the Panger

2006-07-12T21:20:00.000-05:00

I did it. I conquered the almighty panger with a measly AQo. I was so excited I forgot to save the screenshot, so you'll have to be happy with an abbreviated hand history.

g8m3r posts the small blind of $0.25
Virge posts the big blind of $0.50
The button is in seat #8
*** HOLE CARDS ***Dealt to Virge [As Qh]
Canucksn7 calls $0.50
The Base calls $0.50
g8m3r calls $0.25
Virge checks <-- I should normally raise here, right?
*** FLOP *** [Tc Kd Jh]
g8m3r checks
Virge bets $1
Canucksn7 raises to $2
The Base folds
g8m3r calls $2
Virge raises to $6.50
Canucksn7 raises to $11 <-- I figured he either had the Panger, trips, or we were chopping.
g8m3r folds
Virge raises to $80.40, and is all in
Canucksn7 calls $36.55, and is all in
Virge shows [As Qh]
Canucksn7 shows [Qs 9h] <--- now drawing to a chop. =*)
Virge wins the pot ($96.10) with a straight, Ace high
Canucksn7 is sitting out

Return to SNGs: FTP $10+$1

2006-07-11T20:52:00.000-05:00

So the first two days of the week were very bad at .25/.50. Tilting in cash games is a very bad thing. At the end of it all I was almost back to even - up only $40. To top it all off I played after work today and misclicked to fold trips that I thought were good to a small river bet in a big pot.

Cat has been playing a lot of SNGs, and given that I want to get back to tourneys I figured I should go back. A change should be good right? I played it really well I think except for possibly being too timid in spots. The key hand for me losing heads up was getting all in with A8 v. KT. He caught a K on the flop and I was hurting. All-in-all I'm happy with the result. Too bad you only get 7 FTP points for playing one of these. I could only make the Ironman totals on the weekend.

FTP Ring: Tough Call...or Not?

2006-07-11T03:11:00.000-05:00

I've had a very rough two days at .25/.50. The AK bad beat apparently had some after effects that included two very bad calls, but I'll post about that later. The point is I was feeling a bit beat, and my FTP balance was back to even for the month, when this hand came along.

My question is whether it really was a tough call, or was I just being timid?

Seat 1: ToddWilkinson ($141.55)
Seat 2: rockin dr ($49.40)
Seat 3: Virge ($64.05)
Seat 9: DaScotsman ($46.30)
DaScotsman posts the small blind of $0.25
ToddWilkinson posts the big blind of $0.50
The button is in seat #8
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Virge [Qd Qc]
rockin dr raises to $1 <-- min raise from first position, no read on player, so I assume a monster
Virge calls $1 <--- still EP, good hand, but not that great in EP with suspicious activity already
DaScotsman calls $0.75
ToddWilkinson calls $0.50
*** FLOP *** [Qs 3d As]
DaScotsman checks
ToddWilkinson checks
rockin dr bets $3 <--- small bet, not sure if that's weakness or...
Virge raises to $7
DaScotsman folds
ToddWilkinson folds
rockin dr calls $4 <-- just a call, interesting
*** TURN *** [Qs 3d As] [Kd]
rockin dr checks
Virge bets $14
rockin dr has 15 seconds left to act
rockin dr calls $14 <--- this still feels like aces, or now AK to me
*** RIVER *** [Qs 3d As Kd] [Ad] <--- uh oh
rockin dr bets $27.40, and is all in <-- now I'm worried
Virge has 15 seconds left to act <--- it took me almost the whole time, I finally decided AJ
Virge calls $27.40
*** SHOW DOWN ***
rockin dr shows [Ac Tc] (three of a kind, Aces) <--- whew, close, one kicker off.
Virge shows [Qd Qc] (a full house, Queens full of Aces)
Virge wins the pot ($97.80) with a full house, Queens full of Aces
rockin dr is sitting out
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot $100.80 Rake $3
Seat 2: rockin dr showed [Ac Tc] and lost with three of a kind, Aces
Seat 3: Virge showed [Qd Qc] and won ($97.80) with a full house, Queens full of Aces

Any thoughts? Afterwards he said he was looking for a J, nice odds with no implied value.

July "Iron Man Challenge"

2006-07-09T15:54:00.000-05:00

Over the July 4th weekend I was hating my job so I ended up watching TV and playing poker all weekend. Three days into I realized I could probably pull off at least the Bronze Iron Man. After 9 days of it, let me assure you that it's quite a grind--especially at .25/.50. It takes about 3 hours a day to get 50 points , and that's a bit hard when you're working 14+ hous a day.

My goal, if I had any, was to play out the full Iron Man at .25/.50 with the $60 I had deposited. That meant I had three things had to happen 1) I had to control situations where I tilt; 2) I couldn't play in the FTF room; and 3) I couldn't take a bad beat while I only had 1 buy-in.

Number 3 worked out, no bad beats fortunately. Number 2 is a bit easier because FTP has screwed up the room listings and the FTF room is rarely available, but I did manage to donk of $10 in AIOF.

As for tilt, I just have two rules: If I go down 40% in a session I quit so I don't chase losses, and if I get up more than 100% I quit as well. The second rule probably isn't the greatest, but I have a bad habit of playing way too greedy when I get up big. Until I can fix that I'll just end the session.

Summary so far:

Total Hands: 2,402
Amount won: $143.60
BB/100 Hands: 5.98

Oh, and I don't have more than one beer while I'm playing either. That's helped, just a little. I was up to 13BB/100 Hands at 2,000 hands, but a few bad sessions capped by one horrendous beat where I missed out on $140 pot knocked me down. I had the nut straight on the turn and I got the guy all in with his top two pair (AK). He rivered an Ace. I steamed after that, pretty rare for me.

FTP Ring: Benefits of Aggression

2006-07-06T20:35:00.000-05:00

I had raised or reraised the short stack all-in with hands like AQ, AK, and the monster J3o several times. He caught me on the J30, so he was willing to reraise me with 89o this time. The QQ caller in this hand must have either really loved QQ or thought the short stack and I were just playing each other. Anyway, nice hand.

I like taking some risks against short stacks early on in a sitting to establish an image. For the few times I get caught I don't lose that much, but most people don't notice I'm only picking on the short stack and are willing to call off their much bigger stacks against me. And, if I do lose an all in to a short stack, they're probably gonna call again later when I pick up a real hand.

By the way, I only have two problems with the short stack's play here. First, there were two of us in the action pre-flop, so he was going to have trouble playing both of us. Second, if he was going to make a play he shoulda gone all in instead of just committing himself.

(Side Note: In the next three hands I had AA and KK, but didn't get any pre-flop action)

Full Tilt Poker Game #774760113: Table El Parque - $0.25/$0.50 - No Limit Hold'em - 21:24:34 ET - 2006/07/06
Seat 2: N8DIGGS ($22.25)
Seat 5: Virge ($45.60)
Seat 8: tomb9974 ($6.75)
tomb9974 posts the small blind of $0.25
Amarus posts the big blind of $0.50
The button is in seat #6
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Virge [Kh Kd]
N8DIGGS raises to $1.75
Virge raises to $3.50
tomb9974 raises to $5.25
N8DIGGS calls $3.50
Virge raises to $33
tomb9974 calls $1.50, and is all in
N8DIGGS calls $17, and is all in
Virge shows [Kh Kd]
tomb9974 shows [9s 8d]
N8DIGGS shows [Qs Qc]
Uncalled bet of $10.75 returned to Virge
*** FLOP *** [2h 2c Kc]
*** TURN *** [2h 2c Kc] [Jh]
*** RIVER *** [2h 2c Kc Jh] [Ac]
Virge shows a full house, Kings full of Twos
N8DIGGS shows two pair, Queens and Twos
Virge wins the side pot ($29.45) with a full house, Kings full of Twos
tomb9974 shows a pair of Twos
Virge wins the main pot ($19.75) with a full house, Kings full of Twos
N8DIGGS is sitting out
tomb9974 is sitting out
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot $51.75 Main pot $20.75. Side pot $31. Rake $2.55
Board: [2h 2c Kc Jh Ac]

FTP Ring: Cracking Aces

2006-07-05T00:53:00.000-05:00

I know it's sick, but I love cracking aces. In this hand I was absolutely sure he had aces preflop, and the flop action made my feeling stronger. I only have one regret in this hand, although I haven't done the math, his stack probably wasn't big enough to justify the preflop call.

Notice the commentary afterwards... I love it.

Full Tilt Poker Game #769848170: Table Tyndall - $0.25/$0.50 - No Limit Hold'em - 1:45:15 ET - 2006/07/05
Seat 3: Virge ($50.50)
Seat 7: ARCHAICX ($19.50) (see his stack, not big enough, fortunately it's all mine now)
rocketscience posts the small blind of $0.25
Sir Isaac posts the big blind of $0.50
The button is in seat #9
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Virge [6h 4h] (monster hand)
Virge raises to $1.50 (first position? can't slow play this)
ARCHAICX raises to $4 (he has aces)
Virge calls $2.50 (his stack wasn't big enough, probably a losing call)
*** FLOP *** [6c 8d 4d]
Virge bets $7 (since I believe he has aces I want more than a feeler bet)
ARCHAICX raises to $15.50, and is all in (B.I.N.G.O.)
Virge calls $8.50
ARCHAICX shows [Ad As]
Virge shows [6h 4h]
*** TURN *** [6c 8d 4d] [5c]
ARCHAICX: omg
*** RIVER *** [6c 8d 4d 5c] [Tc]
ARCHAICX shows a pair of Aces
Virge shows two pair, Sixes and Fours
Virge wins the pot ($37.80) with two pair, Sixes and Fours
ARCHAICX is sitting out
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot $39.75 Rake $1.95
Board: [6c 8d 4d 5c Tc]
Seat 3: Virge showed [6h 4h] and won ($37.80) with two pair, Sixes and Fours
Seat 7: ARCHAICX showed [Ad As] and lost with a pair of Aces
Virge: wow, you didn't suck out on me, amazing
ARCHAICX: 64?
Virge: big hand
ARCHAICX: ugh

FTP, Ring, Again: Deuces Boat

2006-07-04T01:33:00.000-05:00

Ok, Mr. Boner has had a good time before this ragging on the skill of FTP players. It's all very humorous, unfortunately I didn't get to bust him in this hand. I REALLY wanted the good professors last $10, but having just watched a guy fail to call off his last chips I decided I should just go for half.

I completely misread this hand by the way, I thought sure this guy had QQ or better...

Full Tilt Poker Game #766893697: Table El Parque - $0.25/$0.50 - No Limit Hold'em - 2:22:49 ET - 2006/07/04
Seat 4: BonerJamz03 ($60.30)
Seat 8: professor trip ($49.50)
Seat 9: Virge ($58.25)
professor trip posts the small blind of $0.25
Virge posts the big blind of $0.50
The button is in seat #7
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Virge [2c 2d]
BonerJamz03: holy crap... if i could catch a hand this retarded betting would rule
BonerJamz03 calls $0.50
professor trip raises to $2
Virge calls $1.50
BonerJamz03 calls $1.50
*** FLOP *** [2h 9c 6h]
professor trip bets $6
Virge raises to $12
BonerJamz03 folds
professor trip calls $6 (oops, I thought he'd go all in here... shucks)
*** TURN *** [2h 9c 6h] [6s]
professor trip checks
BonerJamz03: serious.. NO hand is worth that at this point
Virge has 15 seconds left to act
Virge bets $15.50
professor trip calls $15.50
*** RIVER *** [2h 9c 6h 6s] [5d]
professor trip checks
Virge bets $10 (he has $20 left, I really, really, want it... but)
professor trip calls $10
*** SHOW DOWN ***
Virge shows [2c 2d] (a full house, Twos full of Sixes)
professor trip mucks
Virge wins the pot ($78) with a full house, Twos full of Sixes
professor trip adds $40
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot $81 Rake $3
Board: [2h 9c 6h 6s 5d]
Seat 8: professor trip (small blind) mucked [Jd Jh] - two pair, Jacks and Sixes
Seat 9: Virge (big blind) showed [2c 2d] and won ($78) with a full house, Twos full of Sixes
Virge: well... apparently one hand is :)

FTP Ring: Worst Fold Ever

2006-07-04T01:13:00.000-05:00

So, Mr. Redbone's hand was good enough to call of almost all of his chips on the turn, but apparently not worth his last $1.50 on the river. How many times does he need the best hand to make the call worth it? Once in 14. He claimed later he had A5, makes the whole thing even more interesting...

Full Tilt Poker Game #766835844: Table El Parque - $0.25/$0.50 - No Limit Hold'em - 2:00:35 ET - 2006/07/04
Seat 1: Redbones333 ($12.50)
Seat 7: JTsm805 ($11)
Seat 8: professor trip ($50)
Seat 9: Virge ($51.65)
JTsm805 posts the small blind of $0.25
professor trip posts the big blind of $0.50
The button is in seat #6
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Virge [5s 5c]
Virge raises to $1.50 (yeah, I know 3xBB in EP with pp5)
Redbones333 calls $1.50
*** FLOP *** [5h Ts Qh]
Virge bets $3
BonerJamz03 sits down
Redbones333 calls $3
*** TURN *** [5h Ts Qh] [8c]
BonerJamz03 adds $50
Virge bets $6.50 (I thought he'd either fold or go all in)
Redbones333 calls $6.50 (interesting)
*** RIVER *** [5h Ts Qh 8c] [9d]
Virge bets $1.50 (I did this instead of going all just for kicks)
Redbones333 folds (WHAT?!?!?! 1-14.4 odds on the call... nice)
Uncalled bet of $1.50 returned to Virge
Virge mucks
Virge wins the pot ($21.65)
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot $22.75 Rake $1.10
Board: [5h Ts Qh 8c 9d]
Seat 1: Redbones333 folded on the River
Seat 9: Virge collected ($21.65), mucked

Virge is Back (Kinda)

2006-06-17T00:00:00.000-05:00

So, it's been a rough few months work, women (ugh), death in the family, and more work and other fun stuff. So, what poker has transpired in the meantime. Well, no tournaments played, much less cashed. A couple hundred lost on FTP, $3-400 won and spent in Vegas, and $100 lost in 18 straight hours of play in Tunica.

So a hand. On the turn I thought AQ with a small possibility of a straight. On the river I was really concerned that I was beat.

Full Tilt Poker Game #719591456: Table Wengert - $0.25/$0.50 - No Limit Hold'em - 0:45:47 ET - 2006/06/17
Seat 2: Flop Meister ($39.25) <-- his stack is about to be mine
Seat 4: Virge ($50.85)
cwisuth posts the small blind of $0.25
k2snwboarder posts the big blind of $0.50
The button is in seat #7
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Virge [Kc Ac]
Waltersnoop folds
Flop Meister calls $0.50
cracky 2000 folds
Virge raises to $1.75
anycraps folds
pexiM calls $1.75
cwisuth folds
k2snwboarder folds
Flop Meister calls $1.25
*** FLOP *** [Qc 8s Kh]
Flop Meister checks
Virge bets $4.50
pexiM folds
Flop Meister has 15 seconds left to act
Flop Meister calls $4.50
*** TURN *** [Qc 8s Kh] [Ad]
Flop Meister checks
Virge bets $14
Flop Meister has 15 seconds left to act
Flop Meister calls $14
*** RIVER *** [Qc 8s Kh Ad] [9s]
Flop Meister bets $19, and is all in <--- uh oh
Virge has 15 seconds left to act
Virge calls $19
*** SHOW DOWN ***
Flop Meister shows [Ah Qd] (two pair, Aces and Queens) <-- Whew
Virge shows [Kc Ac] (two pair, Aces and Kings)
Virge wins the pot ($78) with two pair, Aces and Kings
Flop Meister is sitting out
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot $81 Rake $3
Board: [Qc 8s Kh Ad 9s]
Seat 1: Waltersnoop didn't bet (folded)
Seat 2: Flop Meister showed [Ah Qd] and lost with two pair, Aces and Queens
Seat 3: cracky 2000 didn't bet (folded)
Seat 4: Virge showed [Kc Ac] and won ($78) with two pair, Aces and Kings
Seat 6: anycraps didn't bet (folded)
Seat 7: pexiM (button) folded on the Flop
Seat 8: cwisuth (small blind) folded before the Flop
Seat 9: k2snwboarder (big blind) folded before the Flop

Brush with Greatness

2006-03-26T16:48:00.000-06:00

I thought I would say "hi" to Sly today while I was online watching the Fla/Nova game. I got quite a suprise!!

fulltiltvirge (4:44:50 PM): sly
Sly's IM (4:45:09 PM): He's napping
Sly's IM (4:45:26 PM): he will be back on later
fulltiltvirge (4:45:27 PM): this is Mrs. Sly?
Sly's IM (4:45:31 PM): Yes
fulltiltvirge (4:45:33 PM): wow!
Sly's IM (4:45:37 PM): lol
fulltiltvirge (4:45:41 PM): I'm honored.
Sly's IM (4:46:02 PM): LOl I have heard your name before too
fulltiltvirge (4:46:09 PM): uh oh
Sly's IM(4:46:22 PM): When he wakes up I will tell him your IM
Sly's IM (4:46:25 PM): d
fulltiltvirge (4:46:35 PM): thanks, have a good afternoon
Sly's IM (4:46:39 PM): You to
Sly's IM (4:46:41 PM): too

FTF Room: Quads x 2

2006-03-14T01:03:00.000-06:00

So, over a month since my last post, but having quads twice in a row is enough to lure me back.

First hand:

Full Tilt Poker Game #497953359: Table FullTiltForum.com - $0.10/$0.25 - No Limit Hold'em - 1:54:27 ET - 2006/03/14
Seat 1: Spyrokete ($24.75)
Seat 2: River Ricky ($26.85)
Seat 3: Don Key E37 ($28.70)
Seat 4: Rellik7331 ($27)
Seat 5: sheckyd ($9.75)
Seat 6: Cameron Claws ($7.45)
Seat 7: Virge ($40.85)
Seat 8: zerocool99 ($34.55)
Seat 9: JODY718 ($6.90)
zerocool99 posts the small blind of $0.10
JODY718 posts the big blind of $0.25
The button is in seat #7
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Virge [2c 2h]
Spyrokete folds
River Ricky folds
Don Key E37 folds
Rellik7331 calls $0.25
sheckyd folds
Cameron Claws folds
Virge calls $0.25
zerocool99 calls $0.15
JODY718 checks
*** FLOP *** [2d Ad Kd]
zerocool99 checks
JODY718 bets $0.25
Rellik7331 calls $0.25
Virge calls $0.25
zerocool99 folds
*** TURN *** [2d Ad Kd] [9c]
JODY718 bets $1
Rellik7331 raises to $2
Virge calls $2
JODY718 calls $1
*** RIVER *** [2d Ad Kd 9c] [2s]
JODY718 checks
Rellik7331 bets $5
Virge has 15 seconds left to act
Virge: bs
Virge raises to $38.35, and is all in
JODY718 folds
Rellik7331 calls $19.50, and is all in
Uncalled bet of $13.85 returned to Virge
*** SHOW DOWN ***
Virge shows [2c 2h] (four of a kind, Twos)
Rellik7331 mucks
Virge wins the pot ($53.95) with four of a kind, Twos
Rellik7331 is sitting out
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot $56.75 Rake $2.80
Board: [2d Ad Kd 9c 2s]
Seat 1: Spyrokete didn't bet (folded)
Seat 2: River Ricky didn't bet (folded)
Seat 3: Don Key E37 didn't bet (folded)
Seat 4: Rellik7331 mucked [9d As] - two pair, Aces and Nines
Seat 5: sheckyd didn't bet (folded)
Seat 6: Cameron Claws didn't bet (folded)
Seat 7: Virge (button) showed [2c 2h] and won ($53.95) with four of a kind, Twos
Seat 8: zerocool99 (small blind) folded on the Flop
Seat 9: JODY718 (big blind) folded on the River

Second Hand:

Full Tilt Poker Game #497957142: Table FullTiltForum.com - $0.10/$0.25 - No Limit Hold'em - 1:56:35 ET - 2006/03/14
Rellik7331: heh
Seat 1: Spyrokete ($24.75)
Seat 2: River Ricky ($26.85)
Seat 3: Don Key E37 ($28.70)
Seat 4: Rellik7331 ($0), is sitting out
Seat 5: sheckyd ($9.75)
Seat 6: Cameron Claws ($7.45)
Seat 7: Virge ($67.80)
Seat 8: zerocool99 ($34.30)
Seat 9: JODY718 ($4.40)
JODY718 has 5 seconds left to act
JODY718 posts the small blind of $0.10
Spyrokete posts the big blind of $0.25
Rellik7331 adds $25
The button is in seat #8
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Virge [5c 6h]
Virge: lol, sorry
JODY718: lol
Rellik7331 has returned
River Ricky folds
Don Key E37 folds
sheckyd folds
Cameron Claws folds
Virge: and I thought you had the flush
Rellik7331: i was calln anyways
Virge: and I sucked out
Virge calls $0.25
JODY718 stands up
zerocool99 folds
JODY718 folds
Spyrokete checks
*** FLOP *** [7d 5h 5s]
Spyrokete has 15 seconds left to act
Spyrokete bets $0.50
Virge has 15 seconds left to act
Virge calls $0.50
*** TURN *** [7d 5h 5s] [5d]
Spyrokete bets $0.75
Virge calls $0.75
*** RIVER *** [7d 5h 5s 5d] [4s]
Spyrokete bets $1
Virge raises to $66.30, and is all in
Spyrokete folds
Uncalled bet of $65.30 returned to Virge
Virge shows [5c 6h] (four of a kind, Fives)
Virge wins the pot ($4.85)
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot $5.10 Rake $0.25
Board: [7d 5h 5s 5d 4s]
Seat 1: Spyrokete (big blind) folded on the River
Seat 2: River Ricky didn't bet (folded)
Seat 3: Don Key E37 didn't bet (folded)
Seat 4: Rellik7331 is sitting out
Seat 5: sheckyd didn't bet (folded)
Seat 6: Cameron Claws didn't bet (folded)
Seat 7: Virge collected ($4.85)
Seat 8: zerocool99 (button) didn't bet (folded)
Seat 9: JODY718 (small blind) folded before the Flop

And even more fun was the commentary afterwards from someone who didn't even see the two hands:

lllziggy: lotta familiar faces here
lllziggy: one of em id definitely rather not be here
lllziggy: one day ill get some $$$ out of ya, virge
Virge: that's probably true
Virge: but i've had quads twice tonight
Virge: trips 4 times
Virge: so.. i'm lucky tonight

Bodog: Read of the Night

2006-02-06T23:58:00.000-06:00

Had a good night on Bodog after an awful weekend in which I was outdrawn post flop after getting called all in with a nut broadway straight. First time, I was called by two pair that rivered a full house. Second time, I was called by two pair and a 3 6 suited to the board, and of course he turned a flush.

Tonight? Flopped OESD, turned nut straight, and got the guy all in with two pair. The nuts held up fortunately.

The read of the night? Started with an awful preflop call of the BB, followed by the right (I thought) call of a 4xBB raise from the cutoff. What did I have? 9 5o. Flop came 5 J x with two suited card. I checked, and the preflop raiser bet $2.50 into about a $12 pot. Someone in front of me check-called. So the pot is like $12. What do I do? I can't explan it really, but I thought the $2.50 indicated weakness even though a lot of these guys will min raise or low raise with the nuts and that he would fold his hand. I thought the check-caller was either on a flush draw or was just a calling station. So I raised pot with my weak pair, weak kicker. As I thought the initial raiser folded, and the weak caller called with K 6 and didn't catch.

Do I recommend that play at all? heck no, but I thought I knew and I was right.

Where is Virge?

2006-02-05T19:02:00.000-06:00

Virge has been abducted by that evil entity known as the "day job." He's decided not to protest since they gave him an additional 8% bonus and an 8% raise. He'll be back after a case or two finishes up.

Bodog: Insane Rush

2006-01-28T02:22:00.000-06:00

I've been running pretty badly for three or four days on my favorite Bodog tables (.25/.50). I log in tonight a little after midnight once I get home from work. First hand I decide to play an 'implied value hand' to a 4xBB raise, I semibluff an OESD on the flop, turn the nuts, and I get the guy all in for about $32. After that? TPTK that's good, TPLK that's good, trips that are good, bottom boat flopped and called through the turn by AK, aces that hold up, TT overpair that's good, KK trips, QQ overpair that's good even though it's called down to the river. Etcetera, Etcetera.

The problem with this? People stop calling ANY bets from you after about an hour. I got up to $128 and it stopped. You know why? I told Cat. That's it, it's that simple. Got trips, guy keeps calling on what looks like a flush draw, i check the river, he bets as I hope, I call... outkicked. I closed out with $103.70 to preserve my profits.

Nice night, and now? Donnie Darko.

FTF Table: Saturday Night

2006-01-22T02:39:00.000-06:00

Lessons in starting hand requirements can be found nightly at the FTF table. Drop by, pull up a seat, and take good notes.

FTF Table: Sunday Night

2006-01-16T04:23:00.000-06:00

Nuff said for now, full story later.

FTF News: Parallel Universe

2006-01-12T00:58:00.000-06:00

Have I stumbled into a strange new world? Or has Sly started to pwn lately???

I quote (well paraphrase): "I'm sticking around for 15 more hands; I just didn't want to hit and run"

PWN AWAY SLY, PWN AWAY.

Bodog: Love it, Part 2

2006-01-11T01:09:00.000-06:00

Ok, I hate cash games. I normally either way to impatient or way too fancy. But I saw a soft $1/$2 table on Bodog and just had to try it. I was extremely patient (folded 20 hands in a row, literally), and was very solid and boring. I didn't purely bluff at all really, and rarely semi-bluffed. Then this hand came along. Check the link for the full HH, but here's the summary:

Gadgets: Verizon Wireless Broadband

2006-01-10T21:15:00.000-06:00

This little jewell is the best gadget I've bought in years. In almost any decent sized city you can get high speed internet anywhere you can fire up your laptop. Elsewhere it's about twice dial-up speed. With unlimited access you can use it as your home connection as well as your travelling access. It's also great for avoiding Big Brother at work if you wanna check out FTF or even play some poker at lunchtime.

Price: About $200 for the card, and $79.99/month if your cell phone isn't Verizon, $59.99/month if you have a Verizon voice connection.

AA v. KK - 13.5 K GTD

2006-01-09T20:37:00.000-06:00

Ok, I knocked someone out earlier when his Kings ran into my Aces. About 30 minutes later someone returned the favor for me.

Return to the Scene of the Crime

2006-01-08T19:12:00.000-06:00

The last time I played this tournament I won $3062 for second place. I played a very solid, tight-aggressive game, but came up short 3 handed and heads up. There's quite an overlay in this one, and the only player I recognize is Fornelli. Hopefully I will pwn him heads up at the end. Wish me luck - I'll need it.

Start time: 7:30pm Central.

Well, sometimes you play perfectly and still can't win. Played a nice solid game, but was a little under average after the first break. No big deal, plenty of time.

I was dealt AKs in the SB with one caller in MP. I overbet hoping to get someone to push in response. The BB obliged with AQo. I caught a K on the flop, good right? Nope. Two diamonds were also on the flop, and he caught two more on the turn on river for a flush, King high. Nice.

201/374 ($57.00)

Ugly Screenshot:

Just in case you were wondering, my win percentage pre-flop is 73% or so.

It begins...

2006-01-08T12:42:00.000-06:00

The tournament starts at 2:10 eastern. Feel free to drop by.

And not too much later... it ends. One horrible river play and I was crippled. Survived two all ins, to get back to yellow zone. Then was blinded back down to M of 5 or so and lost an all in blind steal.

Damage: ($109.00)

Mind Reading

2006-01-08T03:53:00.000-06:00

Ok, not really mind reading, but hand reading. I knew the exact hand that Pyro has even though he thinks I'm full of it. I was so comfortable in my read of his hand that I didn't mind risking almost all of my stack to win the hand.

Pyrophoric posts the small blind of $0.10
Virge posts the big blind of $0.25
The button is in seat #6
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Virge [8c 8s]
Aine calls $0.25
liltidd calls $0.25
bus34 folds
Pyrophoric calls $0.15
Virge has 15 seconds left to act
Virge raises to $0.50
Aine calls $0.25
liltidd calls $0.25
Pyrophoric raises to $3 Hmmm... big pocket pair or AK here.
Virge calls $2.50
Aiakos sits down
Aiakos adds $5
Aine folds
liltidd calls $2.50
*** FLOP *** [Qd Js Ad]
Pyrophoric checks pretty much knew here
Virge bets $3
liltidd folds
Pyrophoric has 15 seconds left to act
Pyrophoric calls $3 definitely knew here even though the call doesn't make sense
*** TURN *** [Qd Js Ad] [Qh]
Pyrophoric checks
Virge bets $7
Pyrophoric: not the flop I wanted
Pyrophoric folds
Uncalled bet of $7 returned to Virge
Virge: i know a little trash talk among friends
Virge shows [8c 8s] (two pair, Queens and Eights)
Virge wins the pot ($14.75)
Pyrophoric: you dog
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot $15.50 Rake $0.75

Anyone else not think TT is obvious (with KK also likely) in that hand?

Books: Blink

2006-01-08T03:16:00.000-06:00

Blink has the one quality that I look for in a great book. It gives you a way to describe something about the world that you always known or suspected, but could never articulate or structure precisely.

Blink is about the "power of thinking without thinking." Like Malcom Gladwell's first book, The Tipping Point, it's more a synthesis of other works than an original in itself. However, the combination is amazing. Simply put, he places great faith in the power of rapid cognition - the first two seconds of thought. However, it's not just raw intuition, but the power of rapid cognition in the hands of an expert who has spent many hours studying a subject.

What does this have to do with Poker?

Many complex areas like war, the stock market, emergency rooms, police responses, and (my addition) poker, are too fast moving and complex to be subject to rigorous analysis in the moment. One example he gives is the war games leading up to the invasion of Iraq. The Marine colonel playing the part of Saddam decimated Allied forces in a matter of hours using the crudest of resources while the Allied forces with all of the latest technologies and gadgets were completely hamstrung by their decision matrices and structured leadership. Another example he gives is a prominent stock broker who, even after 100s of hours of analysis, makes his decisions based on a twitch in his back.

But, don't take my word on this book (easily in the top 5 of books I recommend), take Evy's word in a recent CardPlayer article.

LM: What do you do when you’re away from the tables?

EN: ... I also read. I used to read lots of novels, but lately I’ve been reading mostly nonfiction (Evy recommends Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking by Malcolm Gladwell — a nonpoker book, but since it’s about making decisions under pressure, it will improve your game). ...

Gadgets: Razr V3c

2006-01-08T02:17:00.000-06:00

I have now spent over a grand on cell phones and related accessories this year, and I've finally found a phone worth having. I bought it through Verizon so I get streaming video (ESPN, news, weather, etc.) wherever I want it. I miss my Nextel Direct Connect, but the Nextel phones out now just stink. My only concern is that now that these things are only $199 that everyone is going to have one.

Good stuff: small, bluetooth headset actually works well, voice dialing works, blue == cool, Virginia Tech wall paper, Charlie Daniels ringtones

Unknown: Battery life. I have my doubts that something this small can support 3 hours of talking.

Bottom Two Pair

2006-01-07T01:52:00.000-06:00

Earlier this week at the FTF table I had bottom two pair on a flop. I thought the other player, a forumer, had TPTK. After some raising and re-raising we ended up all in. I was right, but she paired her kicker on the turn. At that point I was lectured about what utter nonsense it was to play bottom two pair. I disagreed, and I still disagree as long as you think the other player(s) just has a top pair or overpair. But it bit me again tonight.

Skortch summed up my impression of the hand.

Dealt to Virge [5d 7s]
four20_82 raises to $0.65
Virge calls $0.65
jaybird904 calls $0.55
cmaggi2 calls $0.40
*** FLOP *** [7c Jh 5h]
jaybird904 bets $7.95, and is all in
cmaggi2 calls $7.
Virge: if i'm wrong on this one, i'm giong to bed :)
Virge has 15 seconds left to act
Virge raises to $24.55, and is all in
cmaggi2 calls $16.15, and is all in
Virge shows [5d 7s] Nice.
jaybird904 shows [Js Td] Very Nice.
cmaggi2 shows [Qc Qd] Also very nice..... I'm 64% or so to win at this point
Uncalled bet of $0.45 returned to Virge
*** TURN *** [7c Jh 5h] [4h]
*** RIVER *** [7c Jh 5h 4h] [4s]
Virge shows two pair, Sevens and Fives
cmaggi2 shows two pair, Queens and Fours
cmaggi2 wins the side pot ($30.70) with two pair, Queens and Fours
jaybird904 shows two pair, Jacks and Fours
cmaggi2 wins the main pot ($25.15) with two pair, Queens and Fours
jaybird904 is sitting out
Skortch: ouch No kiddin Skortch.

FTF Table - Friday, January 6

2006-01-06T23:54:00.000-06:00

Well, that stunk. I log on and the following people are in the room: Deemon, AmSlim, @Ray, Dekker, and Kent Hrbek. Will is 'birding. Deemon leaves and I take her seat. $3.50 later EVERYONE is gone except for 'bird Will.

I must need a shower, because I know they're not afraid of me.

Update:

So Dekker came back. And I went all in because I thought I knew what the other two had. I was right. Still lost all of my money. The FTF table is just killing me.

Weekend Poker Schedule

2006-01-05T01:45:00.000-06:00

Saturday:

$22 Satellite SNGs on Bodog for the 100k if I don't decide to accept a stake or just buy in.
5:15 central - $30 Deep Stacks on Poker Stars (first deep stack, extremely excited)

DirteAA is playing in the 30K on FTP. I'll probably rail him.

Sunday:

1 pm central - 100K Guaranteed on Bodog. I hope sly doesn't take me out before the final table.

I have $52 in stake money left from my original $300. I hope to spend all of it this weekend.

Friday Update:

The remainder of my initial round of stake money is paying half the entry fee into the Bodog $100K. At least if I get lucky this time I'll only have to give up 1/4 of the take.

Saturday Update:

I'm stuck at work so no Deep Stacking for me. Please shoot me now.

FTF Table: National Championship

2006-01-05T00:39:00.000-06:00

Austin is officially nuts, and Pyro is the Nuts. Nice run at Scabbed Llama tonight. I came in 15th. I was at work the whole time, but apparently I got lucky all in with my blinds four times in a row. Nice.

Damage: $25. AKs v. QQ. I put him all in preflop. He actually made the right call and won the race. Congrats.

Vince Young for Governor.

2006 Goals

2006-01-04T03:24:00.000-06:00

A few weeks ago I posted my 2006 poker goals on FTF. This is as good as of a time as any to post them on here now that I'm all reflective after getting pwned by PMB AND the river tonight.
To be clear, I want to reach these goals by Dec 1, 2006, which is a little over one year since I began playing.

Personal Goals:

Develop the discipline to completely focus, and not play if I can't.
Refine my record keeping system significantly.
Master the numbers side of poker - pot odds, implied odds, odds of improving, hand rankings, game theory, etc.
Master the concepts in the books I have read to date before moving on. (HOH 1 & 2 and Sklansky specifically)
Significantly improve my short handed game.

Numerical Goals:

Reach a profit per hour (for at least one month) of $50 per hour by December.
Specifically I would like to master a SNG level that would allow a consistent PPH of $50 or more.
Win place or show in six MTTs of any level.
Place ITM (no matter how low) in a 'major' MTT. ($100k or greater)
Play twice for a significant amount of time in live games in Las Vegas or other casino venue.

I'll post my grades at the end of every month. For December I came in 2nd in one tournament - the $17.5K GTD on Bodog. Five to go.

FTF Table - Tuesday, Jan 3

2006-01-04T00:00:00.000-06:00

Forumers Present:

Dubois1212 (left early to play a tourney, came back after winning 2K)
SlySelea
Deemon
Zerbert
Cailtyss Rulien
PostModernBoy
AllenRay4
Danielburke
DixonEdwards
DLOOO (left as soon as I got there)
Willw9 (didn't play, but stopped by to ask some PT questions)
Maki (briefly)
JustinWilliams (went broke obviously)

Results:

Ok, this is why you don't play when you haven't slept for 36 hours, and the only person who has ever been able to pwn you at will shows up. I don't really care about the money. It's about the cost of a decent night out, but if I'm actually going to track my results it sucks.

Damage: 210 hands, ($124)

Two of those (for around $50 of actual loss, or $100 if I had won) were actually from serious hands where I was all in with the best hand on the flop and lost on the river). The rest was just being an idiot.

I promised Huck I wouldn't pull this crap any more. :-)

Magazines: Poker Life

2006-01-03T01:03:00.000-06:00

I finished reading the current CardPlayer cover to cover on my JAX trip, but I still had one flight to go. Let's just say I definitely wasn't going to do legal work for the hour or so flight from Houston to Austin.

Had to search two stores before I found something: the premiere edition of Poker Life Magazine. Good stuff.

If all of the issues match the premiere it'll be a great magazine, but how often can they have full length interviews with the likes of Annie Duke, Phil Ivey, and Greg Raymer in the same issue anyway?

If you like poker and/or persons of the female gender you should at least get the first edition.

Don't have time to do a full review, but let's just say that Phil Ivey's A/V setup PWNS.

2006 Gator Bowl

2006-01-01T06:27:00.000-06:00

I'm off to the 2006 Gator Bowl to help that young lady cheer on my Virginia Tech Hokies and hang out with about a dozen of my closest friends in (ugh) Jacksonville, FL. At least I'll be driving a convertible, hanging out at the best darn Irish pub (Lynch's), and seeing Virginia Tech play live for the third time this year.

Downside? I don't think I can play the $100K GTD tomorrow on Bodog, and there's no $17.5 so I think I'm out of poker for the day. So much lost EV. So sad. I think I'll surivive.

Edit: 35-24 Hokies! 'Bout time. I've been to 8 straight bowl games and, until this one, haven't seen a win since New Year's Eve 2002.

Bodog: Love it.

2006-01-01T04:52:00.000-06:00

Have ADD?

Bodog is here to help.

You literally have 10 seconds to check, call, or bet.

How fast is that? I folded QQ and AKs in the 17.5 GTD because I didn't get my bet in fast enough. It's THAT fast.

Chris Ferguson would lose his freakin mind. The great thing is you really don't have time to second guess yourself and you can do a tournament in half the time.

Oh, and did I mention OVERLAYS. If you call yourself a serious poker player and aren't playing on Bodog I have some news for you: You don't understand poker. Harsh? Yes. True? Also yes.

Why such a strong statement?

Poker is about two things: 1) people and 2) math - specifically expected value. That's it. You want your money in the middle when your read of the people and the odds tells you that you have positive EV.

How does EV relate to Bodog? One word: Over-FREAKING-lay.

They apparently can't attract enough players to fill their guaranteed tournaments. The $100K last Sunday only had $50K of player money in it. So if you can actually play the game they call poker you are automatically making 100% EV in profit. This may not be technically sound, but that's how I see it.

It also helps that I have some coin in my bankroll thanks to them, but that's beside the point.

FTF Table -New Year's Eve

2006-01-01T02:48:00.000-06:00

Ok, so it was New Year's Day, but if I tried to track it by the morning I was playing rather than the night it'd get wierd.

No Sly tonight. So sad.

Pyro was there and.... that's about it. Some player named xThe_Kidx. He was up like $50, but playing crap (but they were sooo sooooteed) cards not named The Panger. Nice.

Anyway, I bought in with $25.00 and quit with $28.75. Very nice. Some guy went all in with an A J x board. I had A T. I'm pretty sure he didn't have two pair, and he's probably playing weak aces so I should be good. Turns out I was right: A 7. Score.

Pyro shared a nice little post about the FTP RNG with me. Check it out for all the details, but here's an excerpt:

Howard Lederer: our deal is rnadom on three levels
Howard Lederer: first we used an audited rng
Howard Lederer: but we also use a deck queue
Howard Lederer: basically each deck on the site is put in a queue after it is used
Howard Lederer: then when we need a deck we pick one at random
Howard Lederer: then we run it through the rng
Howard Lederer: then after each round has been dealt
Howard Lederer: the remaining cards are shuffled during the action
Caitlin215 (Observer): wait the deck that s in play is shuffled during the action
Howard Lederer: there is no way to know what is coming because trhe cardes are not set
Howard Lederer: right cait

So take that all of you bunny chasers!!

Can somebody say Butterfly Effect?

Target Acquistion: Cash Games

2006-01-01T01:17:00.000-06:00

So you have a few minutes to play some poker, and you'd really like to make some money for your effort. I stink at cash games so I stick to the .10/.25 rooms until I know what the heck I'm doing.

Tonight I found a room where 50% or so of the players were seeing the flop on average. Loose. Very nice. The average pot was $2.35. Let's see. 4.5 players per flop means at least $1.00 in the pot post flop. And they can only get another $1.35 in there on average? Passive. Nice as well.

Loose + Passive =

Sweet.

Room name? Apple. Appropos.

There's a big stack in the room with about $40, but after I watched a few hands I concluded he was no Huck or Fornelli to say the least. He probably saw a lot of flops and got lucky.

First hand? AKo. Nice. Shorty with $4.50 puts in $2.00 pre-flop. Very cool. What does that mean folks? She has JJ or QQ. How do I know that? Well she wouldn't have been quite as happy about TT I imagine, and if she had rockets or kings she woulda min raised or some other goofy move. I decide to put her all in so I raise $9. Everything folds to her. And she folds her pocket JJ (after consulting with her husband she adds). I say "lol" and move on. She made the wrong decision, I get $2, life moves on.

Next hand, I get 4 4. Premium. Husband consulter raises to $2 (anyone want to put her on a hand? It's tough I know). Flop comes with Q x x. I. Somebody with a short stack goes all in with JQ, husband consulting girl calls with, drum roll please, QQ (nice), and I call with my MONSTER 4 4. Ok, so the total damage to my stack is $7.50 or so. I consider it an investment. I reload so I can get Big Boy's stack now that he knows I'm an idiot.

After a few hands, including a nice longball bluff, I'm dealt A T o, I raise $.75. And the following madness ensues.

Seat 1: Target ($42.55)
Seat 7: Virge ($28.70)

DrawChaser calls $0.50
Target calls $0.50
SittinHigh calls $0.50
*** FLOP *** [As Ts 8d]
Virge has 15 seconds left to act Took me a second to think about this. I want him to reraise me cuz he'll do that because he sees me with pp4, but I also want to a) pump up the pot and drive out the flush draw. Alas, I have a goal, Target. If he's on a flush draw then God bless him. I'll get him next hand if he hits.
Virge bets $1.55 Sounds about right.

DrawChaser has 15 seconds left to act I know he's on some kinda draw. Not flush because that's always instacall, must be some wierd str8 draw. Something tells me he's not calculating his outs and odds. (note that the names have been changed to protect the innocent)

DrawChaser calls $1.55 He said later he was chasing a double gotshot. Bless his heart.

Target raises to $6 I knew it! Ok, so he has an ace, better yet. He has Aces AND eights. How do I know? I don't know. It just feels right.

Virge raises to $27.95, and is all in I almost second guessed myself with "what if he has trips?" But no, I'm trusting my reads, remember?

DrawChaser has 15 seconds left to act
DrawChaser folds After some tough soul searching he decides his double gutshot isn't worth his buy-in.

Target calls $21.95 Yeah baby.
Virge shows [Tc Ah]
Target shows [8s Ad] Dead man's hand. Knew it.

Begin Rabbit Trail.

That makes two times I've called this hand spot on. First time was in a live game preflop with some guys standard raise. Wierd right? No. It's his favorite hand and I was watching him when he peaked at his cards. What did I have? Same hand. Got a lot of money in the pot on the flop. On the turn I told him "Your Aces and Eights aren't going to to win" and he folded. Pwned.

End Rabbit trail.

*** TURN *** [As Ts 8d] [2c]
*** RIVER *** [As Ts 8d 2c] [5d] Wow. No suckout.
Virge shows two pair, Aces and Tens
Target shows two pair, Aces and Eights
Virge wins the pot ($57.55) Pwned.

20 minutes. $20.50 profit. I am now profitable for A.D. 2006. Rock on.

ATo may become my new favorite hand. Profit for the week on this hand? ~$55

Now, for the screenshot:

FTF Damage Update

2006-01-01T01:12:00.000-06:00

The grand total for 487 hands: ($34.15). Not good.

How did this happen? Easy. Three hands:

Stupid call on the suckout flush. ($24.00)
The bad beat CT laid on me with the top boat. ($31.50)
The stupid all in with aces when I knew it was time to sit out for a while anyway. ($25.00)

Without the two bad plays I'd still be up $21.50 on the night despite the bad beat. Dumb. It's the reason I bleed in cash games (well besides playing around with other maniacs like Huck, but anyway).

Anatomy of Bad Discipline

2005-12-31T03:41:00.000-06:00

So this is how you lose money FAST in poker. You can't lay down a measly pair of aces on that board with a raise, and reraise in front of you. I don't think any further commentary is necessary.

FTF Forum Table Part 2 - Incredible

2005-12-31T02:54:00.000-06:00

So this is my best night of poker ever on the FTF. The whole gang was there. Even Will who actually told me "nh" from the railbird seat. Sly was running some mad game which he blames on me. He bluffed me out of my pocket T's with unpaired 5 2 0. Now that's some work right there. Of course, he just had to show that.

Hands of Note:

9 9: Ok, this is a dream scenario. I spot Pyrophoric with aces preflop... it's the one thing I seem to have a gift for. So I gladly, gladly, call with my pp9. And what do I get on the flop? That's right a gorgeous 9. But, I wimped out and didn't put him all in on any street. I got scared of the K on the flop and thought maybe he had trip K's. On the turn I was scared of the flush. I ended up betting on the river and calling his reraise, but I wimped out on putting him all in.
TT v. 520: Pwned by SlySelea. Nuff said.
JJ: Flop comes KQJ. CT goes all in. Thought about it, but it wasn't that tough of a call. He has pocket KQ. Catches a queen on the turn for top boat. Horrible beat. How bad you say? Well there were only 4 cards left in that deck that helped him. The 2 queens and the 2 kings. Anything else pops up and I win. What are my odds? 81.9%. They don't get much better than that. Damage. 50% of my then large stack.
AA: Flop comes T J K. One raise (dekker) in front of me, then a reraise (fish). What did I do? You're right, I freaking pushed. Of course, they both had AQ. No extra q's sucked me out. Virge is not good enough to lay down AA in the most obvious situation. Damage: My stack.
5 7: Most interesting and well thought out play of the night. TTx on the flop. I had CT on big PP preflop, but I didn't know which one. This was so interesting that I posted it on the forum.

Players:

BuckyMetro: Good to see him again.
Pyrophonic: Back for more money it seems.
SlySelea: Stepping up his game.
CTharris: Mixing up his game. Very good to see him varying his preflop raises. .85 with TT I believe followed by $1.10 UTG with KQ.
Dekker: Good solid game. Slowly working his way out of the tight aggressive category. As long as he keeps the aggressive I'm delighted to see it.
Steeler: Still a dancing queen.
@Ray: Not very happy tonight. Seems to be having trouble with winning it seems. Details.

Damage:

At least two buys ins so far, but my favorite player, BoSox, is back for more.
I'll update.

FTF Forum Table - 12/30

2005-12-30T20:35:00.000-06:00

Hands of interest:

K Q o: Made nut straight on the turn, bet pot, guy calls and gets his suckout flush on the river and I still called. Damage: 1 buy in.
T 6 o: Put the guy a guy on an ace when he called my flop bet with a pair of 6's. 3 flush flop. Hit trip 6's on the turn. Bet pot, he calls. Blank on the turn and I put him all in. He calls with a pair of aces -queen kicker. Profit: His buy in.
T 7 o: DB announced he was going all in since it was his last hand. He had rockets, I failed to suck out my 8 on the river to make the straight. I need to practice. Damage: 1 buy in

Interesting people:

BoSoXfan71: Had quite a profitable night at the table. Played 65 hands to showdown. Most profitable: 98s, 43s, J2s, KTs... He was SOOOOOTTTED, and therefore unbeatable. In contrast his least profitable hands were, in order: Q7o, 86s, K7o, A7o, 96o, ATo, 98o. Mostly unsoooted, completely worthless. Everyone should take note.
Pyrophonic: Has had a nice run at the FTF table and is profitable thanks to me, Cat, and Scabs. Cat had a bad beat, his rockets were cracked by trips, on the forum table, tell me it's not so. I posted a welcome message for him at the forum.
FrankWu: Frank pwned me at the final table of the Winner's Choice Satellite on Saturday night, and won the token at the end. He ended up 29th in the $200 buy in Winner's Choice WSOP/WPT Tournament. He says he choked. How much does it take to choke a gecko anyway?

Forumers Present:

IlliniFan: He really needs to update his blog.
SlySelea: Incredible as always. He promised to come see my blog. I won't believe he actually did unless he posts a comment.
Scabby: What can you say? I guess he needed to donate more to Pyrophonic.
DLOOO: DLOOO saw my awful play when I failed to believe the suckout flush on the river. Embarrassing. I pm'd him about it.
Steeler247: He did his best D-LUXE and Scabs on tilt impression by bouncing his queen self around the table while I was pwning someone heads up. Nice.

Summary:

Buy-ins: 2
Take: $51.05
Profit: $1.05

Nice. I am well on my way.